Newsboys and Owner Sue Major Christian Music Figures Over Alleged Defamation and Monopoly
A legal battle is unfolding in the Christian music industry as the band Newsboys, alongside owner Wes Campbell, have initiated a federal lawsuit in Tennessee. The suit alleges defamation and antitrust violations aimed at prominent figures within the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene, including MercyMe and its lead singer Bart Millard.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, accuses various concert promoters, nonprofits, media outlets, and artists of engaging in a collaborative effort to tarnish the plaintiffs’ reputation and disrupt their business operations within the Christian concert market.
The filing claims, “In this case, Wes Campbell, and the four musicians comprising the Christian musical artists known as the ‘Newsboys,’ their families, and the ministries they have dedicated their lives to build, have been destroyed by the actions of the Defendants.” The lawsuit details actions like publishing defamatory articles, driven by competitors with allegedly anticompetitive intentions.
Central to the lawsuit is LiveCo/TPR, described as a powerful entity formed via the merger of Transparent Productions, Premier Productions, and Rush Concerts. The complaint suggests this consolidation led to a monopoly in Christian concert promotion, with involvement from Waterland Private Equity.
Furthermore, the lawsuit implicates World Vision, accusing it of securing exclusive fundraising opportunities at LiveCo/TPR-promoted events, thereby restricting access for other nonprofits associated with Campbell.
The Roys Report is also named in the lawsuit over articles published about a 2014 incident involving allegations against a Newsboys crew member. While Julie Roys, founder of The Roys Report, acknowledged the lawsuit, she stated in Variety, “We have not been served with the complaint, but we are aware of it. As a matter of policy, we don’t comment on pending litigation.”
The lawsuit also points to omitted statements in news reports that plaintiffs argue contradicted later claims. Initially described as a “consensual liaison,” the incident was later reported as a rape by The Roys Report, allegedly as part of a broader competitive conflict.
Other defendants include MercyMe and Bart Millard, accused of breaching contracts with Campbell’s entities, supposedly as part of the alleged scheme. The plaintiffs are seeking substantial financial damages for lost income and reputational harm, alongside a court order to cease anticompetitive practices, potentially reshaping the Christian concert market.
Additionally, the lawsuit aims to rectify what it terms false reporting and seeks preventive measures against future occurrences. This legal action arises amid a challenging period for Newsboys, who have been embroiled in controversy following allegations against former lead singer Michael Tait, as reported by The Roys Report.
Tait has admitted to some misconduct but disputes various details of the allegations. The fallout has seen Newsboys dropped by their record label and removed from radio rotation, with new frontman Adam Agee stating the band faced “cancellation by promoters and venues all over the world.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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