Legal

INSIDE CHANDLER MOORE’S EXPLOSIVE LAWSUIT AGAINST MAVERICK CITY MUSIC

Published

1 month ago

January 30, 2026

BROKEN TRUST, STOLEN MILLIONS, AND A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE: By iPraiseRadio.com Staff | Powered by @gospelnewsroom on YouTube

Atlanta, GA – In one of the most stunning legal battles ever to rock the Christian music industry, Grammy-winning worship leader Chandler Moore has filed a federal lawsuit against his former manager and Maverick City Music CEO Norman Gyamfi, alleging fraud, forgery, and the theft of millions of dollars in royalties. The bombshell case, filed just days before Moore’s public departure from the groundbreaking worship collective, has sent shockwaves through gospel music and raised serious questions about exploitation, trust, and accountability in the industry.

The Lawsuit: A 33-Page Indictment

On October 1, 2025, Moore’s legal team filed a civil fraud complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Case No. 1:25-cv-05635) that reads less like a standard business dispute and more like an exposé of alleged systematic financial exploitation.

The lawsuit names Norman Gyamfi—who served as Moore’s personal manager before becoming Maverick City Music’s CEO in 2023—along with a web of interconnected business entities including Maverick City Music, TRIBL Records, TRIBL Publishing, Insignia Holding, Insignia Assets, and Maverick City Publishing.

According to the complaint obtained by Billboard and reviewed by multiple outlets, Moore alleges that Gyamfi “abused his power and the trust that Moore bestowed upon him” to orchestrate a years-long scheme of financial manipulation that stripped Moore of millions of dollars in royalties and ownership rights.

“Moore reposed great trust and confidence in and accepted Gyamfi’s guidance in his business and financial decisions,” the lawsuit states. “Gyamfi, however, abused his power and the trust that Moore bestowed upon him”.

The Anatomy of Alleged Betrayal

The lawsuit paints a damning picture of how a trusted manager allegedly exploited his position to systematically siphon money from the artist he was supposed to protect. Here’s how the alleged scheme unfolded, according to court documents:

1. The Secret Sale of Master Recordings (2021)

Moore claims that in 2021, Gyamfi arranged the sale of Maverick City Music’s master recordings to Sony’s distribution arm, The Orchard, without ever disclosing to Moore that Gyamfi himself would earn a commission from the deal.

“Despite the significance of the transaction and Gyamfi’s close relationship with Moore, Moore never received prior notice or disclosure of the Sale of his masters nor information that Gyamfi was profiting from the Sale,” the lawsuit states.

2. The Publishing Rights Redirect

One of the most serious allegations involves Sony Music’s Christian publishing division, Essential Music Publishing. According to the complaint, Gyamfi directed Essential to pay ALL of Moore’s songwriting royalties directly to Maverick City Music instead of to Moore himself.

When Essential Music Publishing requested documentation to support this arrangement, Gyamfi allegedly produced a forged co-publishing agreement that would make the redirect appear legitimate.

3. The Forged Power of Attorney (2022)

Perhaps the most explosive allegation involves a 2022 deal with Sony Music. The lawsuit claims that Gyamfi forged Moore’s electronic signature on a publishing agreement that:

Assigned 50% of Moore’s rights to Maverick City Music
Granted the company “irrevocable power of attorney” to act on Moore’s behalf

This alleged forgery effectively gave Gyamfi and his companies control over Moore’s creative catalog without Moore’s knowledge or consent.

4. The Withheld Royalties

According to the lawsuit, in 2024 Moore entered into a production deal with TRIBL Records in which he agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music.

Moore claims he fulfilled every obligation under this agreement—releasing new music and completing a tour—but Gyamfi and his business partners allegedly withheld more than $800,000 in royalties that were contractually due to him.

“Defendants’ greed, exploitation and misappropriation of Moore’s assets and intellectual property have deprived Plaintiffs of their contractually owed royalties, assets, monies and ownership interests,” the complaint declares.

5. The Web of Alter Ego Entities

The lawsuit alleges that Gyamfi created and operated a network of interconnected business entities—all essentially controlled by him—that functioned as “corporate alter egos” designed to funnel Moore’s money into Gyamfi’s pockets.

These entities include:

Insignia Holding Co.
Insignia Assets
TRIBL Publishing
TRIBL Records
Maverick City Music
Maverick City Publishing

According to Moore’s legal team, this web of businesses allowed Gyamfi to keep all aspects of the business—management, touring, publishing, and creative works—in-house, maximizing his profit while minimizing Moore’s.

The Legal Claims: What Moore Is Seeking

Moore’s lawsuit brings multiple civil claims against Gyamfi and the named entities, including:

Breach of Contract
Fraud
Forgery and Conversion
Unjust Enrichment
Self-Dealing
Misappropriation of Assets

The complaint seeks:

Financial damages (amount to be determined by jury)
A court order voiding all of Moore’s contracts with Maverick City Music
Full accounting of all royalties withheld
Compensatory and punitive damages

Moore’s attorney, Sam Lipshie of the law firm Bradley Arant, released a statement emphasizing the severity of the allegations: “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”.

The Painful Public Departure

Five days after filing the lawsuit—on Monday, October 6, 2025—Moore made his departure from Maverick City Music official with an Instagram post that was notably silent about the legal battle brewing behind the scenes.

“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career,” Moore wrote. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music”.

He continued: “When we started Mav, I was grateful to have community and belonging while fulfilling my dream of making music that would help people experience God. And we did that…in ways I couldn’t have imagined”.

“My dream hasn’t changed,” Moore affirmed. “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”.

Notably, fellow Maverick City member Naomi Raine also announced her departure on the same day, though she is not involved in Moore’s lawsuit.

Maverick City Fires Back: “Categorically False”

Two days after Moore’s public announcement, Maverick City Music co-founder Jonathan Jay released a lengthy Instagram statement fiercely denying all allegations and characterizing Moore’s claims as a calculated attempt to escape contractual obligations.

“To be clear: the claims being made against me, against Norman and against our companies are categorically false,” Jay wrote. “These aren’t misunderstandings. These are calculated attempts to strong-arm a way out of agreements Chandler made freely and later breached”.

Jay characterized Maverick City’s business dealings with Moore as “forthright, generous and above reproach,” insisting they “acted in good faith, 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,” Jay declared.

Jay also took aim at Moore personally, suggesting a pattern of unresolved conflicts: “There’s a pattern of avoided accountability, unresolved conflicts passed off to others, and a history of others being forced to carry the weight of consequences never owned. That pattern ends here”.

Maverick City has characterized Moore’s lawsuit as “wildly untrue”.

The Widening Scandal: RICO and Racketeering Allegations

If Moore’s lawsuit was a bombshell, what came next was a nuclear explosion. On October 20, 2025, Maverick City Music co-founder Tony Brown filed an amended complaint that escalated the allegations to an entirely new level: civil RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges.

Brown, who had been suing Maverick City since July 2024 over allegations that the company strong-armed him into signing an unfavorable buyout agreement and then failed to make promised installment payments, amended his lawsuit to include racketeering claims.

In his amended complaint, Brown’s attorney Gary Freed explicitly tied the RICO allegations to Moore’s fraud claims: “Upon information and belief, defendants’ pattern of racketeering activity also harmed Chandler Moore”.

Brown’s lawsuit alleges that Gyamfi had justified underpaying Brown by citing sexual harassment claims made against Brown by a former female TRIBL Records executive—claims that Brown vehemently denies and which have not resulted in any lawsuits or public accusations by the alleged victim.

“This isn’t just a church squabble; this is a federal legal conflict that cuts to the core of integrity, money, and control in the multi-million dollar Christian music industry,” noted one industry observer.

An attorney for Gyamfi and Maverick City, Jordan Siev of the firm Reed Smith, dismissed Brown and Moore’s claims as “baseless” and “the surest sign of desperation”.

Where the Case Goes from Here: Legal Analysis

Legal experts following the case say the road ahead will be complex and potentially lengthy. Here’s what could happen next:

Immediate Next Steps

Service of Process Completed: Court records show that Maverick City Music, Inc. was served on October 16, 2025, with an answer due by November 6, 2025.
Discovery Phase: Both sides will engage in extensive discovery, including:

Document production (contracts, emails, financial records)
Depositions of key witnesses (Moore, Gyamfi, Jonathan Jay, and others)
Forensic accounting of royalty payments
Digital forensics to examine the alleged forged signatures
Expert witness testimony on industry standards and practices

Potential Motions: Gyamfi’s legal team will likely file motions to dismiss certain claims, arguing:

That Moore entered into agreements voluntarily
That any disputes should be resolved through arbitration clauses
That Moore breached contracts first
That the RICO claims from Brown’s case don’t apply to Moore’s situation

Key Legal Questions

Several critical legal issues will determine the outcome:

1. Can Moore Prove Forgery?
The electronic signature allegations are central to Moore’s case. If digital forensics can prove Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on the 2022 Sony deal, it would be devastating to the defense. However, if Gyamfi can show Moore authorized the use of his signature in some capacity, it weakens Moore’s position.

2. What Did Moore Know and When?
Maverick City’s defense appears to hinge on arguing that Moore was aware of and agreed to the business arrangements. They’ll likely produce emails, meeting notes, or other communications showing Moore’s knowledge and consent. Moore will need to prove he was deliberately kept in the dark about key details.

3. Are the Companies Truly “Alter Egos”?
Moore’s claim that Gyamfi’s various entities are merely corporate shells to funnel money requires proving they lack independent legal existence. Corporate records, financial statements, and operational evidence will be crucial.

4. What Do the Actual Contracts Say?
The written agreements between Moore and Maverick City will be examined line by line. If they contain language authorizing the disputed transactions, Moore’s case becomes harder to prove. If they don’t, or if they were modified without Moore’s knowledge, his case strengthens.

Possible Outcomes

Best Case for Moore:

Court voids all contracts with Maverick City
Moore recovers millions in damages
Gains full rights to his catalog
Sets legal precedent protecting artists from manager exploitation

Best Case for Gyamfi/Maverick City:

Case dismissed or settled for nuisance value
Contracts upheld as valid
Moore remains bound to existing agreements
Moore potentially faces counterclaims for breach of contract

Most Likely Scenario:

Case settles before trial (as do most civil disputes)
Confidential settlement includes payment to Moore
Mutual release of claims
Moore’s exit from Maverick City formalized
Both sides agree not to disparage each other publicly

Timeline Expectations

Civil litigation of this complexity typically takes 12-24 months to reach trial, though settlement negotiations could accelerate resolution. Key milestones to watch:

Early 2026: Completion of initial discovery
Mid-2026: Expert witness reports and depositions
Late 2026: Summary judgment motions
2027: Trial date (if case doesn’t settle)

The case is being heard by Judge Sarah E. Geraghty in the Northern District of Georgia.

Chandler Moore Now: Moving Forward Amid the Storm

Despite the legal turmoil, Chandler Moore has not allowed the lawsuit to derail his ministry and music career. In fact, he’s been remarkably active and productive since leaving Maverick City Music.

New Music and Ministry

Just weeks after his departure, Moore released a new solo single on November 7, 2025, demonstrating his commitment to staying musically active throughout the legal battle. The release showed fans that Moore wasn’t going to let the lawsuit silence his artistic voice.

Moore has also continued his collaboration with Elevation Worship, releasing “God I’m Just Grateful” in November 2025. This partnership demonstrates that Moore’s reputation in the worship music community remains strong despite the controversy.

Solo Career Plans

Moore has announced plans for an upcoming solo album, though he’s also made the intriguing statement that this album will be followed by a 10-year hiatus from recording. Whether this planned break is related to the emotional toll of the lawsuit or simply a desire to step back from the industry remains unclear.

In early 2026, Moore expressed gratitude for his journey and optimism about what’s ahead: “2026 is only just starting, and trust me, this is just the beginning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in the music and in me”.

Ministry Focus

Throughout this difficult season, Moore has maintained his focus on ministry and worship leadership. He continues to lead worship at various churches and events, reminding his followers that his calling to ministry extends beyond any one organization or legal battle.

Moore’s statement about making “music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone” has resonated with fans who see him as more than just an artist caught in a business dispute—they see a minister who has faced betrayal but remains committed to his calling.

Professional Support

Moore’s legal team at Bradley Arant has been vocal about their commitment to seeing him through this battle. Their public statements emphasize not just recovering financial damages, but helping Moore “move forward freely to continue building the even-brighter impactful career that lies ahead for him”.

The Broader Implications: An Industry Reckoning?

The Moore vs. Gyamfi lawsuit has sparked urgent conversations about artist exploitation, industry accountability, and the need for better protections in Christian music.

The Pattern of Exploitation

Supporters of Moore view the lawsuit as a courageous stand against exploitative industry practices that have long plagued the music business—secular and sacred alike. The allegations echo countless stories of artists who trusted managers and executives only to discover years later that they were systematically cheated.

“This is more than just a headline; it’s a critical moment for the entire Gospel and Christian music ecosystem,” noted one industry analyst.

Questions of Accountability

The case raises uncomfortable questions:

How did alleged misconduct go undetected for years?
Were there warning signs that others in leadership ignored?
What systems can the industry put in place to prevent similar situations?
Should Christian music organizations be held to higher ethical standards?

The Trust Factor

Perhaps most troubling is the erosion of trust. Moore’s lawsuit describes a relationship built on faith and spiritual community that allegedly became a vehicle for financial exploitation. In an industry built on ministry and service to God, such allegations strike at the very heart of gospel music’s integrity.

Reactions from the Gospel Music Community

The Christian music world has been largely quiet about the lawsuit, with many artists and leaders apparently waiting to see how the legal battle unfolds before publicly taking sides. However, private conversations reveal deep concern about the allegations and their potential impact on the industry.

Some have expressed support for Moore, viewing him as a victim of the same predatory practices that have exploited artists for decades. Others caution about rushing to judgment before all facts emerge in court.

What’s clear is that this case has opened a conversation about power, money, and accountability that the Christian music industry can no longer avoid.

What’s at Stake

This lawsuit is about more than just money—though with millions of dollars allegedly at stake, the financial implications are enormous. It’s about:

Trust: Can artists trust their managers and labels?
Integrity: Does the Christian music industry operate by different ethical standards?
Justice: Will the legal system provide accountability when trust is allegedly betrayed?
Legacy: How will this controversy affect Moore’s and Maverick City’s lasting impact on worship music?

For Moore, it’s personal. He trusted Gyamfi not just as a manager but as a brother in ministry. The alleged betrayal cuts deeper than financial loss—it strikes at the heart of what it means to be in community together in Christian music.

For Gyamfi and Maverick City, their reputation and business model are on trial. If Moore’s allegations are proven true, the damage could be catastrophic not just legally but to their standing in the gospel music community.

Conclusion: A Story Still Unfolding

As of early 2026, the Moore vs. Gyamfi lawsuit continues to work its way through federal court. Discovery is underway, legal motions are being filed, and both sides are preparing for what could be a lengthy and contentious battle.

Chandler Moore continues to make music and minister, refusing to let the legal battle define his calling or silence his voice. Norman Gyamfi and Maverick City Music maintain their innocence and vow to fight the allegations vigorously.

The truth will ultimately emerge through the legal process—through documents, depositions, expert testimony, and potentially a jury verdict. Until then, the gospel music world watches and waits, hoping for justice, praying for truth, and mourning the broken trust that brought us to this painful moment.

What began as a dream of “making music that would help people experience God” has become a cautionary tale about trust, power, and the importance of accountability—even (especially) in ministry.

The outcome of this case will reverberate throughout Christian music for years to come, serving either as a warning to artists about the dangers of exploitation or as a reminder of the importance of honor in business agreements. Either way, the gospel music industry will never quite be the same.

Case Information:

Case Name: Moore et al v. Gyamfi et al
Case Number: 1:25-cv-05635
Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
Judge: Sarah E. Geraghty
Filed: October 1, 2025
Plaintiffs: Chandler Moore, MoWorks LLC
Defendants: Norman Gyamfi, Maverick City Music, TRIBL Records, Insignia Holding Co., Insignia Assets, TRIBL Publishing, Maverick City Publishing

Chandler Moore’s Legal Representation:
Sam Lipshie, Bradley Arant

Maverick City Music’s Legal Representation:
Jordan Siev, Reed Smith; Steven Cooper, Reed Smith

For ongoing coverage of this case and other gospel music news, follow @gospelnewsroom on YouTube and visit iPraiseRadio.com. We will continue to update this story as developments emerge.

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