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When Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins filed a lawsuit against their ex-Jane's Addiction bandmate Perry Farrell on Wednesday (July 16), the singer's legal team stated that "the timing of this baseless lawsuit is no coincidence—it was filed only after they caught wind of legal action coming from our side."
That lawsuit was twofold, with Navarro suing Farrell for battery and assault stemming from a physical altercation that happened between the two onstage in September. The three former bandmates were also suing Farrell for emotional distress, negligence, and breach of contract after the incident derailed their comeback tour and plans for a new album, resulting in major financial loss. All together, the musicians are looking for a minimum of $10 million in damages.
As Variety reports, Farrell, along with his wife Etty Lau Farrell and his touring company, filed a lawsuits against Navarro, Avery and Perkins. Like his legal team suggested, it is a separate lawsuit not a countersuit.
Farrell's lawyers shared a statement with Consequence that reads:
As a founding member and creative force behind Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell has always prioritized the band’s legacy and its supporters, which is why the events of September 13th, 2024 in Boston and the resulting fallout was so devastating. Without warning or consultation and using Perry as a scapegoat, Dave Navarro and the other band members took it upon themselves to abruptly cancel the remaining tour dates—violating contracts and disregarding all professional obligations. Perry was blindsided by not being allowed to vote and be heard, leaving him unable to plead his case to continue the tour for their fans. If that was not harmful enough, Dave Navarro then intentionally and publicly blamed Perry for the canceled tour dates effectively destroying Perry’s reputation and causing him irreparable harm. Despite this continued bullying perpetuated by Navarro, Perry’s dedication to Jane’s Addiction and the preservation of its positive impact on the music industry remains unshaken. He is actively exploring ways to address the situation and ensure accountability.