Disney Refuses to Pay Royalties

Apparently, Disney is refusing to pay royalties owed to author Alan Dean Foster. This is bad enough by itself. But the basis for their refusal is mindboggling. From Mary Robinette Kowal, SFWA president speaking on Foster’s behalf explains:

Disney’s argument is that they have purchased the rights but not the obligations of the contract. In other words, they believe they have the right to publish work, but are not obligated to pay the writer no matter what the contract says.

Just, what? How can that be a thing anyone would try to argue?

Come on Disney. Don’t be a dick.