Chance the Rapper has reached the end of a five-year legal battle with his former manager, Pat Corcoran. Following jury deliberations in a trial that ran for just over two weeks, the artist born Chancelor Bennett was awarded $35 in his countersuit against Corcoran, who he alleged exploited his position as manager, demanded kickbacks, and damaged the musician’s reputation.
The lawsuit, which sought $1 million, was initially filed in February 2021. It arrived just over two months after Corcoran filed his own lawsuit seeking $3.8 million in unpaid expenses and commissions from the rapper related to touring, merchandise, and other responsibilities.
Bennett and Corcoran met in 2012 and soon after “reached an oral agreement under which Mr. Corcoran would manage Mr. Bennett’s music career and, during that tenure, would be compensated for his services with 15% of the net profits that Mr. Bennett earned from the exploitation of his music,” according to documents from the countersuit.
But as this agreement was never put into writing, Corcoran was ultimately unsuccessful in his pursuit of damages after being dismissed as Bennett’s manager in April 2020 due to “Mr. Corcoran’s inattention, incompetence, betrayals, and competing business direction could not be ignored, and Mr. Bennett determined that Mr. Corcoran was an increasing liability to his career.” Bennett’s management team now includes his father, Ken Bennett, and his brother, Taylor Bennett. In his suit, Corcoran claimed that the two family members “eroded” the rapper’s confidence in him.
In a statement via the Chicago Sun Times, Corcoran’s lawyer Jay Scharkey said, “We respect the jury’s decision, but the message to music managers is clear: Get it in writing. The jury award of $35 speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance’s case.”
Chance’s lawyer, Precious Jacobs-Perry, told the outlet, “The jury heard the evidence for more than two weeks and reached the correct conclusion: Mr. Bennett never agreed to pay commissions after his management relationship with Pat Corcoran ended, and Mr. Corcoran’s breached their contract. This ruling is not only a victory for Mr. Bennett, it is a victory for independent artists everywhere.… And, above all, we are happy for our client who has been standing on principle for years.“
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Chance said, “Friday marked an important day in setting a legal precedent for artists everywhere. I’m grateful for the time and care the jury took in reviewing the evidence and reaching their decision. The verdicts in my favour underscore the importance of artists not being locked into terms they did not agree to, and having transparency, respect, and control over their business and work.”
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He continued: “While only two of my claims were before the jury, my broader case has always been about accountability and protecting the rights of artists. My larger claim remains before the Court, and I will continue to address that claim through the proper process. I’m proud to have stood up for myself and artists everywhere, and I look forward to turning my full attention back to my fans and what’s ahead.”
This article was updated at 1:27 p.m. to include a statement from Chance the Rapper.
From Rolling Stone US
