Daryl Hall has filed a first-person statement explaining his side of the story as the legal battle with his Hall & Oates bandmate continues.
In a filing obtained by PEOPLE, Hall alleges that John Oates ambushed him with plans to sell his stake in the joint venture to a third party.
“This recent malicious behavior by John Oates and the Oates Trust has created tremendous upheaval, damage and hardship in my life, not to mention unnecessary expense and burden, while I am in the middle of a tour across the US West Coast, Japan and Manilla and must focus and perform at a superior level,” Hall, 77, argued in the filing.
He added: “I believe John Oates has timed the Unauthorized Transaction to do me the most harm. With all due respect, he must be stopped in this latest act and his malicious behavior must be curbed once and for all.”
Daryl Hall granted a temporary restraining order against John Oates after filing a mysterious lawsuit
In court documents previously reviewed by PEOPLE, Hall argued that Oates, 75, selling his stake would violate a business agreement the couple had previously reached. The “Rich Girl” singers entered into an agreement in October 2021 over Whole Oats Enterprises LLP (WOE), a limited liability partnership owned and controlled by the musicians, according to the complaint.
In a statement, Hall called Oates’ move “totally secret” and in “bad faith,” which left him feeling “ambushed.”
“His behavior became adversarial and aggressive instead of professional and polite. He began making numerous demands on me regarding, among other things, social media and trademark assets at WOE, creating a dispute that brought a bunch of lawyers to my door,” it says. “It appears to me that John Oates’ intent has become to burden and harass me without regard for my interests as his business partner or the interests of WOE.”
Daryl Hall and John Oates.
Michael Ochs/Getty Archive
Attorneys for Hall and Oates did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
On Nov. 9, Hall filed arbitration proceedings against Oates to prevent his bandmate from transferring 100% of his rights, title and interest in Whole Oats to a third-party buyer called Primary Wave Music without Hall’s consent, a transaction he claims was “ unauthorized and void” and breach of contract. Hall argued that Oates had entered into a letter of intent with Primary Wave that could have closed as early as November 20, and Hall argued that the sale would cause him “irreversible irreparable harm.”
When Hall’s lawsuit was filed on Nov. 16, an arbitrator had not been selected, leaving Hall unable to pursue his pending request in arbitration for a temporary injunction in the manner requested.
He said in the filings that he sought a restraining order against Oates — which was granted the next day — to close the Primary Wave transaction “in order to maintain the status quo of WOE before a change of control of the partnership occurs in violation of the terms of the Agreement.”
Primary Wave has held a significant interest in the Grammy-nominated catalog of songs for more than 15 years, according to the Associated Press.
Hall’s lawyers said much of the matter should remain under seal because it is a “private dispute … This is not a matter of legitimate public interest, although the parties are well known.” His legal team pointed out that the dispute relates to the interpretation of the 2021 agreement, the terms of which remain confidential.
John Oates shares social media post about ‘bonding with loved ones’ amid Daryl Hall lawsuit
The case will be finally resolved in confidential arbitration proceedings. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 30, where the extension of the ban will be considered.
Hall filed the claim against Oates, as well as Aimee Oates and Richard Flynn, co-trustees of the John W. Oates TISA Trust. All defendants were issued subpoenas until Nov. 20, and a motion for pro hac vice was filed two days later, meaning Hall asked an out-of-state attorney to join the case.
While he hasn’t commented publicly, Oates has been posting on social media since the drama began, sharing message on X (formerly Twitter) Nov. 22 that encouraged people to support local charities.
“During this time of shared reflection and connection with loved ones, let’s not forget those facing challenges on a global scale,” he wrote. “As we come together, consider helping those in need – whether through local charities or international humanitarian initiatives. May our joint efforts contribute to a more compassionate and supportive world. YEAH 👊🏽.”
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Source: HIS Education