Statements from MySpace and Indie 911 on MySpace's Blockage of Tila Tequila's MP3 Store

On Sunday, MySpace, which uses SnoCap's technology to let its users sell music on their profile pages, asked Tila Tequila to "remove all of the things on [her] page that don't involve just MySpace" -- including a "Hoooka" music store widget offered by MyStore competitor Indie911.

Furor among fans and onlookers escalated to New York Times coverage yesterday, and people have been wondering whether MySpace will become more vigilant about commercial content from outside sites.

MySpace sent me the following statement about the Tequila's takedown of her Indie 911 Hoooka store from her MySpace page; there's a statement from Indie 911 CEO Justin Golderg just below that.

MySpace spokesperson's statement:

"We retain the right to block or remove content that violates our terms of use, including unauthorized commercial transactions. We do not block third party embeds or services that abide by our terms of use. We support the freedom of expression and creativity of our community and must continue to protect the experience expected by our users. Indie911 is a commercial application that violates our terms of service."

Not to be deterred, Justin Goldberg, CEO of Indie 911, who made a deal with Tila Tequila's label for the Hoooka store to appear on Tequila's MySpace page, sent this statement via email:

"We anticipate doing business with a wide variety of partners. The Hoooka isn't MySpace dependent. We're not just counting on everyone being on MySpace. In between the deals we're doing with the music festivals, P2P networks, other social networks and compelling content partners, we have plenty to keep us busy."

Tila Tequila's page currently has a big banner link for users to click to buy her single and video from the iTunes store.

[Update: Meanwhile, this still works.]