Hatebreed‘s former bassist, Chris beattie, has filed a lawsuit against his ex-bandmates. Reports from sources such as Billboard, Blabbermouth, and Law360 indicate that Beattie claims he was the “driving force behind [Hatebreed‘s] sound and identity until his sudden and unjust termination” in November 2024. This revelation has left fans pondering the underlying dynamics within one of heavy music’s most influential bands.

The legal action, filed in Connecticut Superior court located in New Haven, specifically names frontman Jamey Jasta, whose birth name is james Shanahan. Beattie accuses Jasta of erratic behavior leading up too his dismissal, ultimately making a “unilateral decision to sever [Beattie’s] ties to his career, fanbase, touring prospects, and significant expected income.”

Beattie asserts that he was not just another member of the band; rather, he played an integral role in its success. in his legal complaint, he states that he contributed important labor, musical talent, recording expertise, management responsibilities, promotional efforts, and financial backing—elements without which [[Hatebreed] would not have achieved its current level of recognition or profitability. He also mentions an “implied long-term agreement” suggesting both he and Jasta were equal co-owners of the band with shared earnings from royalties and intellectual property rights.

A Dispute Over Merchandise Revenue: Central to the Case

A critical component of Beattie’s lawsuit centers on a merchandise revenue-sharing agreement established in September 2015 among himself, Jasta, and drummer Matthew Byrne . Under this arrangement,”< strong >Beattie ,< strong >byrne andShanahan agreed they were each entitled to 25% of sales revenue from merchandise while the other two members received 12.5%, totaling 25% for all.” According to Beattie’s allegations,< strong >Jasta and/or managerSteve Ross controlled both the band’s bank account as well as member payouts.