As previously reported, ex-Hatebreed bassist Chris Beattie filed a lawsuit against the band and vocalist Jamey Jasta after claiming he was fired for financial reasons. However, Billboard are now reporting that the group and Jasta have since filed a motion to dismiss several claims against them.
Beattie was removed from the group after Jasta accused him of harassing a Live Nation security guard at Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT. However, Beattie claimed that allegation was “patently untrue.” He went on to say Jasta lied to keep his bandmates from defending him.
Beattie also claimed the frontman was “secretive” with the band’s finances and was trying to profit off his termination. He later claimed the firing had a “significant negative impact on his career, reputation, and health and well-being.” At the time, he was also seeking financial damages.
For their part, Hatebreed and Jasta say there is no legal basis for Beattie’s lawsuit. They also referred to the complaint as a “garden variety band break-up case.”
The band’s attorneys added:
“Plaintiff, a disgruntled former band member of the band known as ‘Hatebreed,’ erroneously asserts a right to remain a permanent member of the band in perpetuity despite the fact that the underlying relationship between the parties was terminable at-will.”
The motion also claims there was no written contract to give Beattie a permanent spot in Hatebreed. As such, they were allowed to fire the bassist at any time.
Hatebreed and Jasta are currently seeking to have four of the six claims in Beattie’s lawsuit thrown out. The remaining claims regarding merch were not covered in the motion.
Metal Anarchy 
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