Hatebreed Bassist Sues Jamey Jasta, Claims Firing Driven by Finances
Hatebreed‘s former bassist, Chris Beattie, has filed a lawsuit against the band and frontman Jamey jasta, alleging his november 2024 dismissal was motivated by financial gain rather than misconduct. The suit, filed yesterday, directly refutes Jasta’s public explanation for Beattie’s exit.
Hatebreed officially announced Beattie’s departure in February 2025, stating he was out “for the foreseeable future.” beattie later confirmed in may that legal representatives were involved in the dispute. The lawsuit contends that the band’s claim of Beattie harassing a Live Nation security guard at the Toyota Oakdale Theater on November 9, 2024, is “patently untrue.” Beattie asserts that Jasta fabricated this narrative to secure the support of other band members for his removal.
Furthermore, the legal filing accuses Jasta of becoming increasingly secretive regarding band finances, allegedly withholding accounting records and denying Beattie his 25% share of band profits. Beattie claims he has been deprived of earnings from touring and lost brand deals as his dismissal, and is seeking financial compensation for damages to his reputation, career, and mental well-being.
In his complaint, Beattie specifically pointed to Jasta, also known as James Shanahan, stating, “Shanahan stood to profit from Beattie’s termination, as he would be entitled to a larger share of band proceeds and profits without Beattie in the band. In addition, Beattie and Shanahan were the primary songwriters for the band and together earned the majority of publishing proceeds for their work. With Beattie out of the band, Shanahan likely believed that he could stand to recover substantially more in the way of publishing proceeds.”