Joshua Nair
Rock band Jane's Addiction has taken legal action against their frontman after an on-stage altercation at one of their shows in September 2024.
You may recall the viral moment where lead singer Perry Farrell, 66, took a swing at guitarist David Navarro, 58, in Boston last year.
Following the bizarre incident, the show and all remaining dates on their tour were cancelled, with the band explaining in a statement that it was a 'difficult decision' and that fans would soon be refunded.
The tour was set to be the band's first in 14 years, but as a result of the outburst, it looks like the majority of fans will never see them perform live again, given that the band are (unsurprisingly) no longer together.
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While fans were shocked by footage from the on-stage brawl, it is said that the conflict continued backstage.
Bassist Dan Cleary revealed on a podcast that 'the band is over' and highlighted that he wants 'people to understand it didn't end there [on stage]'.
He further claimed that Farrell body slammed and punched Navarro once again, which have remained uncomfirmed.
Farrell also issued an apology to the band, Navarro, loved ones, and fans, saying: "Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behaviour, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."
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Tensions have not simmered down though, as it has been revealed by Variety that the members of Jane's Addiction will be suing Farrell.
Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins will be seeking at least $10 million in damages from Farrell, after the altercation killed their North American tour and an upcoming planned album.
They claim in documents that the group lost that amount of money due to the cancellation and suspension of the band's activities.
Additionally, Navarro is suing Farrell for assault and battery following the brawl in Boston, which forced crew members to get involved and take the latter off stage.
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Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the complaint also accuses the frontman of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract.
Shortly afterwards, Farrell and his wife Etty Lau Farrell announced they are also suing Navarro, Avery and Perkins for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress and breach of contract.
Farrell's lawyers issued a statement to the publication, stating that it is a 'clear example of the group uniting to isolate and bully' the singer, adding that the lawsuit was only filed 'after they caught wind of legal action coming from our side'.
“As a founding member and creative force behind Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell has always prioritised the band’s legacy and its supporters, which is why the events of September 13th, 2024 in Boston and the resulting fallout was so devastating," they wrote.
Farrell's team further claimed that the singer was being used as a 'scapegoat' as other band members had decided to cancel the rest of the tour dates, violating contracts and obligations.
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The legal team claimed: "Perry was blindsided by not being allowed to vote and be heard, leaving him unable to plead his case to continue the tour for their fans."
They went on: “It’s a transparent attempt to control the narrative and present themselves as the so-called ‘good guys’ —a move that’s both typical and predictable,
“Just like when they released a defamatory and entirely unfounded statement about Perry’s mental health and unilaterally cancelled the remaining tour dates without his input, they’re once again scrambling to get ahead of the truth in a desperate effort to save face.”
LADbible has reached out to Jane's Addiction for comment.