Mötley Crüe V. Stubner

Mötley Crüe filed a lawsuit against Carl Stubner, whom the band claims was one of their managers, in Los Angeles Superior Court June 18th.

The suit claims that Stubner, CEO of Sanctuary Artist Management, diverted revenue from the band through a campaign of "self dealing." Stubner, who manages drummer Tommy Lee, denies ever managing the band.

Also named as defendants are Carl Stubner Productions, Sanctuary Group and Sanctuary Artist Management. Lee and the band’s other managers, Allen Kovac of 10th Street Entertainment and Burt Stein of B Entertainment, are not listed as defendants.

Stubner et al are blamed for harming the Mötley Crüe brand and Lee’s reputation as a musician and band member because of the manner in which Lee’s solo activities were promoted.

The suit claims that because Stubner received a higher commission from Lee’s solo projects, he promoted Lee to the "detriment" of the band and Lee.

Lee’s individual musical projects have not been successful and the lawsuit points a finger at the defendants. First up is the reality show "Tommy Lee Goes to College," which is noted as a ratings and critical failure. It harmed Crüe’s reputation and "painted Lee as incoherent, lazy and incompetent," the lawsuit says.

The show also gave the impression that Lee put the moves on his college-age tutor and couldn’t keep a steady rhythm as a member of the University of Nebraska marching band, the suit says.

However, Stubner was a producer of the show and profited from it, the lawsuit says.

Also, the defendants allegedly refused to make Lee exclusively available for Mötley Crüe tour dates, appearances and interviews – forcing the band to do fewer shows. About 40 fewer, according to the suit.

Stubner is accused of admitting he promoted Lee’s personal projects over the band’s, calling the choice a "no brainer," and demanding 100 free tickets per show to sell at "scalper" prices.

Then there’s "Rock Star: Supernova." Stubner was a producer and the lawsuit claims he profited despite lackluster ratings.

"Ticket sales for ‘Supernova’s’ tour were disappointing," the suit says. "The band’s self-titled debut album, released November 21, 2006, received mostly negative reviews and failed to make Billboard’s Top 100 in the United States.

"‘Rock Star: Supernova’ tarnished Lee’s image and the Mötley Crüe brand."

The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages of more than $20 million for lost earnings, lost profits and diminished brand and goodwill value. Mötley Crüe states in the suit that they are also owed punitive damages because the defendants’ acts against the band were done "fraudulently, maliciously and oppressively."

"Neither Carl Stubner nor Sanctuary Artist Management Inc. (nor any other Sanctuary company) have ever managed Mötley Crüe or any members of Mötley Crüe other than Tommy Lee," the company said in a statement. "Mr. Stubner and Sanctuary continue to manage Tommy Lee and make no apology for having effectively managed, promoted and furthered Tommy’s career with great success. Mr. Stubner and Sanctuary will vociferously defend this lawsuit which is utterly and entirely without merit or basis."

Band attorney Skip Miller called Stubner’s statement absurd and said the music exec has been paid more than $1 million for management services.