Studdard, Ex-Manager Swap Suits

Ruben Studdard and his former manager, Ron Edwards, are duking it out in court.

The “American Idol” winner filed a lawsuit in February accusing Edwards and his marketing / advertising firm, Sez Inc., of pilfering $246,000 during the year Edwards worked for the singer. The lawsuit also accuses the manager of running up unauthorized expenses after he was fired.

Edwards countersued March 18th for $500,000 in damages, claiming Studdard still owes him money for management fees and expense reimbursement.

Edwards’ attorney, Glennon Threatt, said his client helped Studdard for free before the singer became a household name in 2003. Edwards agreed to a one-year stint as Studdard’s business manager following the contest, according to court records.