Christian music artist Chandler Moore is suing Maverick City Music after announcing his departure from the worship group.
According to Billboard, Moore filed the lawsuit against Maverick City Music on Oct. 1 before announcing his departure from the music collective on Oct. 6. As Billboard notes, Maverick City Music and the group’s label, TRIBL records, are named in the suit. However, the focus of much of the lawsuit is Norman Gyamfi, who acted as Moore’s manager prior to owning a stake in Maverick City Music. Gyamfi became the group’s CEO in 2023.
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According to the complaint, “Moore reposed great trust and confidence in and accepted Gyamfi’s guidance in his business and financial decisions…Gyamfi, however, abused his power and the trust that Moore bestowed upon him.”
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As Billboard noted, the lawsuit alleges that Gyamfi “brokered the sale of Maverick City Music’s masters to Sony distribution arm The Orchard.” However, this reportedly happened without discussing the decision with Moore or promising him a commission from this deal.
Moore also claims that in 2022 Gyamfi privately directed the music publishing division of Sony, also known as Essential Music Publishing, in order to “pay all Moore’s songwriting royalties directly to Maverick City Music,” as Billboard discussed. This allegedly happened by Gyamfi forging Moore’s signature needed on a co-publishing agreement. This agreement gave half of all of Moore’s creation rights to this group.
The lawsuit also details how Moore made his final contract with Maverick City Music back in 2024. He claims that he fulfilled all obligations, but that Gyamfi kept $800,000 worth of royalties from him. Moore claims that millions of dollars were wrongfully taken from him by Gyamfi through these various acts.
Sam Lipshie, one of Moore’s lawyers, said that: “This law firm is privileged to represent Chandler Moore, an extraordinary artist and human being. Like many talented creators and performers, Chandler has faced situations where his trust and talent were taken advantage of in various ways…We are fully committed to helping Chandler recover what is rightfully his, resolve outstanding legal matters and assist him in moving forward freely to continue building the even-brighter impactful career that lies ahead for him.”
Jonathan Jay, the owner, co-founder and CEO of Maverick City Music posted a statement on social media addressing the lawsuit.
Over the years I’ve made it a point to stay silent on things that don’t serve our mission and have chosen instead to speak through the music and the ministry. I’ve never wanted to be a distraction from what Maverick City and TRIBL were built to do: create space for real, raw, redemptive worship that transcends culture and church walls.
But in light of the recent speculation, innuendo, and allegations made by Chandler Moore, I can’t remain silent. Not when the truth is being distorted. I’ve spent my life building this and I won’t let a series of lies go unchecked.
Jay further asserts that the allegations against himself and Gyamfi are “categorically false.”
These aren’t misunderstandings. These are calculated attempts to strong-arm a way out of agreements Chandler made freely and later breached.
Our business dealings with Chandler were forthright, generous, and above reproach. We acted in good faith, and gave more than what was required, and consistently extended grace. Any allegations of misdeeds are simply not true and we welcome a full and honest examination, because the truth will speak for itself.
The post continued, alleging Moore of “pattern[s] of avoided accountability.” Jay ended the post, providing hope to Maverick City Music fans that “We will keep creating. We will keep lifting up the name of Jesus in every room He opens until the Lord Himself says our time is up.”
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Moore previously announced his exit from Maverick City Music, stating that “I know there may be press and conversation around certain business matters that my legal team is handling. But my heart, my energy, and my focus are on what’s ahead. The dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”
Another founding member of Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine, also announced her departure from the group as Moore, saying, “After a lot of prayer and consideration, I’ve decided that now is the best time to share that I’m no longer a part of Maverick City Music. Being a part of Mav truly changed my life. What started as a group of folks singing in a shed, has turned into something I could’ve never even imagined!”
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
