by Hatebreed have officially responded to the lawsuit filed by former bassist Chris Beattie. Their legal team filed a motion on September 25, as reported by Billboard.
The motion addresses Beattie’s claims regarding his dismissal from the band. It characterizes the situation in clear legal terms.
The motion describes Beattie’s suit as a “garden variety break-up case,” and Beattie as “a disgruntled former band member of the band known as ‘Hatebreed,’ [who] erroneously asserts a right to remain a permanent member of the band in perpetuity despite the fact the underlying relationship between parties was terminable at-will.”
The legal response suggests that the band views the bassist’s position as an at-will arrangement rather than a permanent membership.
The lawsuit stems from Beattie’s firing in November 2024. This ended his three-decade tenure with the band. Loudwire reported that Beattie alleges he was the “driving force behind [Hatebreed’s] sound and identity” until his sudden and “baseless expulsion.” He also claims that frontman Jamey Jasta exhibited “increasingly erratic” behavior leading up to his firing. This unilaterally cut him off from his career, fans, touring opportunities, and expected revenue.
Hatebreed was formed in 1994. Chris Beattie and Jamey Jasta served as the only two remaining original members until Beattie’s dismissal. MetalSucks noted that Beattie’s contributions included musical talent, recording and management duties, promotion, and financial resources. He argues these were significant in Hatebreed’s success. He claims the band would not have achieved its recognition and profitability without him.
A key component of Beattie’s lawsuit involves financial compensation. Blabbermouth stated that Beattie asserts Hatebreed owes him money from profits, particularly from merchandise sales that he believes he has not been properly compensated for. The band counters this claim by stating that Beattie, Jasta, and drummer Matthew Byrne agreed in 2015 to share merchandise revenue with a specific formula. They insist this formula has been followed properly.
Hatebreed and Jasta maintain that Beattie’s claims are without merit. Lambgoat revealed that the band has filed a motion to strike some of Beattie’s claims. They position Jasta’s actions and the firing as legitimate, rebutting the allegations of erratic behavior. Further developments in the case are expected to follow.
