What is Tony Brown's lawsuit against Maverick City Music about?

Tony Brown, the co-founder of Maverick City Music, is suing the worship collective for racketeering, claiming the group's CEO coerced him into an unfavorable buyout deal with the help of MC Hammer's brother.

Who else is suing Maverick City Music?

Former Maverick City Music member Chandler Moore has also filed a lawsuit against the group, alleging royalty fraud and claiming the CEO orchestrated secret deals and forged his signature to steal millions in publishing royalties.

What is happening with Maverick City Music amid these lawsuits?

Maverick City Music has faced significant changes, with Moore and fellow member Naomi Raine announcing their departure from the collective to focus on solo projects. The group is embroiled in legal battles and facing an uncertain future.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Maverick City Music Accused of Racketeering and Royalty Fraud

Maverick City Music Accused of Racketeering and Royalty Fraud

21 Oct

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Summary

Co-founder Tony Brown sues Maverick City Music over buyout agreement
Claims CEO coerced him with threats and used MC Hammer's brother
Former member Chandler Moore also sues over alleged royalty theft

Maverick City Music Accused of Racketeering and Royalty Fraud

In October 2025, the co-founder of Maverick City Music, Tony Brown, filed a lawsuit accusing the Grammy-winning worship collective of racketeering. Brown claims the group's CEO, Norman Gyamfi, coerced him into signing an unfavorable buyout agreement in 2023 with the help of Louis Burrell, the brother of '90s hip-hop star MC Hammer.

According to the lawsuit, Burrell threatened to launch a "character assassination" and "bury" Brown's family in debt unless Gyamfi's preferred terms were agreed to. Brown and his ex-wife, Rebekah Aversano, are now seeking damages under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of a separate fraud claim brought against Maverick City Music by former member Chandler Moore. Moore alleges that Gyamfi orchestrated secret deals and forged his signature to steal millions in publishing royalties.