I suspect that like Wetflix and Snottify when the deals were signed they had no idea of their workshy characters, the poor quality content and ever changing stories that would be delivered as gospel - and that the overseas pair would have so spectacularly shot themselves in the foot and destroyed their reputation.
At this point for all 3 they had to get something out (anything) just to save face after trumpeting what a fantastic deal they had signed with the overseas.
They jumped the gun. Probably did the deal way before non Tattlers sussed them out.
I remember when Random House took Joan Collins to court to try and get her to return an advance for a novel they didn't like.
The court ruled in Joan's favour.
She had handed in a completed novel within the time agreed.
The fact the publisher didn't like the book didn't matter.
Joan fulfilled her contracted obligation, therefore was entitled to keep her advance.
You'd think they'd have learned from the Joan Collins court case not to give high advances in case they don't like the finished book......or it flops.