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. This led the group to file a motion in an effort to dismiss the claims against them. However, that request has since been struck down.
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 claimed there was no legal basis for Beattie’s lawsuit. They also referred to the complaint as a “garden variety band break-up case” and claimed there was no contract to give Beattie a permanent spot in Hatebreed.
As such, they believe they were allowed to fire the bassist at any time and had an argument to support a motion to have four of his six claims thrown out. Despite this, the Superior Court in the Judicial District of New Haven struck down their request.
The two parties will now attempt to settle in June. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the case will go to a jury trial in April 2027.
[via Lambgoat]
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