Chris Beattie Files Lawsuit Against Jamey Jasta & Hatebreed Over November 2024 Firing

Former Hatebreed bassist Chris Beattie has taken legal action against the band and frontman Jamey Jasta following his contentious dismissal in November 2024. While the band has remained mostly silent on the situation—only confirming his departure “for the foreseeable future” back in February—Beattie revealed in May that attorneys were involved in the ongoing dispute.

According to a report from Billboard on July 30th, Beattie filed a lawsuit claiming he was unfairly removed from Hatebreed for financial reasons.

The suit disputes Jamey Jasta’s explanation that Beattie was fired for allegedly harassing a Live Nation security guard during the band’s November 9th, 2024 show at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Connecticut. Beattie called Jasta’s claims “patently untrue.”

Beattie’s complaint details that Jasta abruptly terminated him over the incident and then “structured a false narrative” for the rest of the band members to discourage their support of Beattie remaining in the lineup.

Beattie asserts that the real motive behind his firing was financial gain. His suit states:

“[James] Shanahan [aka Jamey Jasta] 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.”

The lawsuit also alleges that Jasta has grown “more secretive” about the band’s finances in recent years, refusing to provide Beattie access to accounting records and potentially withholding the full 25% share of profits owed to him.

Beattie is seeking financial damages, claiming his firing has harmed his career, reputation, and mental health. He further states he has been cut off from any touring income generated since his exit and lost out on brand endorsement deals.

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