This legal battle just gets juicier and juicier. Now, in a counterclaim to the original $150 million lawsuit filed against the band by BMG Entertainment and Louis Pearlman's Trans Continental Media, 'N SYNC responds that Pearlman had been basically taking all of the money the group had earned and pocketing it for himself.
In addition, J.C. CHASEZ said in a legal statement that Pearlman was an "unscrupulous, greedy" usinessman who, "while hugging us and calling us 'family' was picking our pockets, robbing us of our future and even endangering our health." (Referring to LANCE BASS, who was hospitalized with exhaustion in May.) He finishes with, "We are painfully aware our careers may be brief. In truth, our fans made us a success... an injunction may be the end of 'N Sync. However we cannot work with people who have lied to us." What will be the plaintiff's reply to these allegations? Keep checking back to Teen Entertainment News for the very latest.
Written By: Sue Difranco
Lawsuit against 'N Sync expands
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The battle of the boy bands has definitely heated up. 'N Sync and its new label, Jive Records, have been hit with a $150 million lawsuit by 'N Sync creator Louis Pearlman, his management team Trans Continental Media, Trans Continental Records and BMG Entertainment, owner of 'N Sync's former U.S. label, RCA Records. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Orlando also names Jive Records' owner, Zomba Recording, and cites breach of contract, among other allegations. The suit alleges that Jive, which is distributed by BMG in the United States, induced the group members to breach their contract with Trans Continental. The suit seeks to prevent them from using the name 'N Sync. BMG asks the court to require Jive and the group members to return the master recordings produced this year for 'N Sync's second album, scheduled for release early next year. The suit asks for $100 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.
