Singer-actor and Careless Music founder James Reid has finally spoken out about Liza Soberano’s departure from his management.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Reid confirmed that he was the one who decided to publicly announce Liza’s exit from Careless to address growing speculation.

“We decided to make this statement because there’s a lot of rumors that she’s no longer Careless. So we decided to release the statement just to confirm it so there’s no confusion,” Reid explained. He further clarified, “It was her decision to leave Careless.”

After parting ways with Star Magic and Ogie Diaz, Liza signed with Careless Music in 2022. Reid shared that their contracts with artists always include a termination clause that allows either party to exit at any time, as long as both agree. “Actually, in all the contracts and agreements I have with my artists, there’s a termination for convenience, close, at any time. You can leave as long as I agree, and I agreed,” Reid stated.

When asked about the reason for Liza’s departure, Reid said it was due to her focus on building a career in Hollywood. “We have different, I guess, career paths. She’s more focused on her US career, going to Hollywood, all of that. And we’re more focused on the Philippines. Music, local,” he said.

Reid also noted that Liza had been actively managing her own career while under Careless Music. “Actually, Liza’s been very proactive with her career ever since she joined Careless. She has a very clear idea of where she wants to go with her career and everything. And towards the end, basically, she manages herself.”

He clarified that Careless was not involved in Liza’s US transactions. “Well, I did help her a lot with the initial meetings with her co-management in the US, even with that first film. I introduced the director, but everything after that was really her,” Reid explained.

While Liza currently has no full-time manager, Reid mentioned that she is co-managed by Transparent Arts in the US. He also emphasized that their agreement from the start was flexible, acknowledging that Liza was already an established star before joining Careless. “Actually, our agreement from the beginning was very loose. I didn’t make her famous. She was Liza Soberano already when she came on board, which is why I was so flexible,” he added.

Liza signed with Careless Music in 2022, but has since decided to focus on pursuing opportunities in Hollywood.