In the ever-escalating battle between Hatebreed and their now-former bassist Chris Beattie, according to Billboard and Lambgoat, Beattie filed a lawsuit yesterday (July 30th) against the band and frontman Jamey Jasta (real name James Shanahan) claiming his November 2024 firing was driven by money and not misconduct. The band publicly announced Beattie’s exit in February 2025, stating he was gone “for the foreseeable future.” Beattie later revealed in May that attorneys were involved. Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall has been filling in for the band on tour.
In the new suit, Beattie denies Jasta’s claim that he was canned for harassing a Live Nation security guard at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT on November 9, 2024. He calls the allegation “patently untrue,” stating that Jasta “structured a false narrative” around the incident to convince other band members to back his removal.
The lawsuit also claims Jasta became “increasingly secretive” about band finances, allegedly hiding accounting records and withholding Beattie’s 25% cut of profits. Beattie says he’s been denied earnings from touring and lost brand deals since his dismissal, and is seeking financial compensation, citing damage to his reputation, career, and mental health.
In the complaint Beattie stated the following:
Shanahan stood to profit from Beattie’s termination, as he would be entitled to a larger share of band proceeds and profits without Beattie in the band. In addition, Beattie and Shanahan were the primary songwriters for the band and together earned the majority of publishing proceeds for their work. With Beattie out of the band, Shanahan likely believed that he could stand to recover significantly more in the way of publishing proceeds.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/hatebreed-lawsuit-chris-beattie-sues-band-jamey-jasta/