Maverick City Music Co-Founder Responds to Chandler Moore Fraud Lawsuit: 'Wildly Untrue'
LOS ANGELES - Jonathan Jay, co-founder of Grammy-winning worship collective Maverick City Music, has vehemently denied the claims made by former member Chandler Moore in a lawsuit alleging millions of dollars worth of royalties were stolen from him.
In an Instagram statement shared on October 8, Jay called the allegations "wildly untrue" and claimed that Moore is trying to strong-arm his way out of legitimate contracts with the collective. The statement marked the group's first public response since Moore announced his abrupt exit and filed a lawsuit against Maverick City executive Norman Gyamfi, as well as the collective and its label, TRIBL Records.
Moore's lawsuit, which was filed on October 5, claims that Gyamfi, who managed Moore before joining Maverick City as a part-owner, orchestrated secret deals and forged his signature on contracts to siphon off the singer-songwriter's publishing royalties. The lawsuit also alleges that Gyamfi abused his power within the collective.
Jay's statement defended Gyamfi and Maverick City overall, stating: "We have been transparent with Chandler about all financial dealings and have provided him with access to our books at all times. We are confident that a thorough investigation will reveal the truth behind these baseless allegations."
Background on the situation shows that Moore was a key member of Maverick City Music before his abrupt departure in September. The collective, known for its soulful and gospel-infused sound, has gained widespread recognition and acclaim within the music industry.
The lawsuit has sparked controversy within the music community, with some calling for an investigation into the allegations. However, others have come to the defense of Maverick City Music and Gyamfi, citing their reputation and contributions to the music industry.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what will happen next. The collective has stated that they are committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with any investigations. Moore's lawyer has declined to comment on the lawsuit, stating only that they will "let the facts speak for themselves."
The outcome of this case is likely to have significant implications for the music industry as a whole, particularly in regards to issues of power dynamics and financial transparency within collective ownership structures.
In related news, Maverick City Music's Jonathan Jay attended the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 5, 2023, in Los Angeles.
*Reporting by Billboard.*