Scott Weiland Sued by Stone Temple Pilots; Lawsuit Regarding Him 'Violating His Duties' to the Band
Days after naming Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington as their new lead singer, the remaining members of rock band Stone Temple Pilots' original line-up filed a lawsuit against former lead singer Scott Weiland.
Hollywood, Esq., entertainment and law blog for The Hollywood Reporter, gave details of the nature of the suit, which was filed on May 24. The suit sanctiond Weiland for "violat[ing] his duties" and "misappropriating" the band's name as he embarks on a solo tour.
The lawsuit officially presented the following series of charges against Weiland: breach of contract and fiduciary duty, violation of the Lanham Act (which protects the owner of a trademark against "against the use of similar marks if such use is likely to result in consumer confusion"), and declaratory and injunctive relief. The lawsuit also stated that Weiland cost the band "lucrative business opportunities for live performances," and that he has made recent attempts to sabotage new efforts to continue the band's business.
The band members are seeking unspecified damages from Weiland with an exact amount "proven at trial." The suit stated Weiland's breach of contract is worth at least $2 million.
"Enough is enough," read the lawsuit. "Without relief from the court, Weiland will continue violating STP's rights, misappropriating STP assets and interfering with the band's livelihood."
The same day the suit was filed, Weiland took to his website to release his own statement about the matter. He stated that he found out about the band's new member just like anyone else would have by reading about it.
"Like everybody else out there, I read about my band, Stone Temple Pillots, and their recent performance this past weekend with a new singer," he wrote. "To tell you the truth, it took me by surprise. And it hurt."
Weiland asserted that it was illegal for the band's other members to continue using the name Stone Temple Pilots. He claimed he was still a member of the band.
"More importantly," he continued, "they don't have the ethical right to call themselves Stone Temple Pilots because it's misleading and dishonest to the millions of fans that have followed us for so many years.
"I don't give a f--- what they call themselves, but it's not Stone Temple Pilots."
