American rock band Paramore is on a legal battle with the band's ex-bassist Jeremy Davis over whether the said former band member was an employee of the band or a partner in their business. Paramore's business entity filed a lawsuit stating Davis is a paid employee.
Jeremy Davis, the former bass guitarist of the punk rock group Paramore claims he was a partner in the company, Varoom Whoa, the business entity that operates the said band, according to the Tennessean. Being a partner, entitled him to a split of the entire band's income, touring revenue and royalties.
The suit which is filed in Nashville Chancery Court in February also stated that the band's vocalist, Hayley Williams is the sole owner of the said business entity. Davis insist to examine the financial document, however, Williams and Varoom Whoa refused to provide him as they insists him as an employee, not a partner.
Once Davis wins the legal battle, and is declared a partner, the former bassist of the band will be eligible to claim a share of total royalties and touring revenue, not only from the years he spent in the band, but potentially also going forward, despite having left the band, Musicfeeds reported.
The band's frontwoman, Williams is the only one signed the contract under, Atlantic Records, while the remaining members of the band are her paid employees. According to AltPress, Davis filed a counterclaim lawsuit on Friday, claiming Paramore was founded as a partnership between him and Williams.
"Davis, Williams and York shared equally in all net profits generated by the partnership, from any and all sources, including but not limited to the Atlantic agreement," Davis' counterclaim lawsuit added. The former bassist also said, he was responsible for decisions, managing and other duties for the band.
On Varoom Whoa's lawsuit, it is seeking to declare Davis an employee who is ineligible to enjoy the benefits of a business partnership. While Davis on the other hand, is seeking for the company to be recognized as a partnership that entitles him to unspecified damages.
Davis previously left the band in 2004, but rejoined a year later. In December of 2015, the band posted a message on its Facebook page regarding his official departure from Paramore.
