Maverick City Music founder speaks out amid legal storm following Chandler Moore’s exit

Maverick City Music group’s founder and CEO Jonathan Jay has broken his silence days after the outfit’s founding members Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine announced their departure.

Jay issued a strong defense amid growing legal and public scrutiny, coming as a direct rebuttal to Moore’s allegations.

He rejected the claims by Moore as nothing more than “calculated attempts” to escape obligations.

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

“Our business dealings with Chandler were forthright, generous, and above reproach. We 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 also acknowledged his usual preference to let Maverick’s music speak rather than engaging publicly in disputes, but said he felt compelled to respond given the magnitude of the claims. He reaffirmed that Maverick City’s mission transcends any individual member.

“The mission of Maverick City is bigger than one person…We will keep building. We will keep creating. We will keep lifting the name of Jesus in every room He opens…We stand on truth. We stand on integrity. And we will not be moved,” he stated.

In addition, Jay raised concerns about a pattern of accountability avoidance, citing how past conflicts were left unresolved, noting that this will no longer be tolerated.

Moore, in a prior statement posted on his Instagram page, said he had filed a lawsuit alleging fraud, misappropriation of royalties, and forgery involving co-founder Norman Gyamfi.

He continued to say that the decision was “bittersweet,” describing Maverick as something he “poured his heart into” and likened leaving it to saying goodbye to his own child.

Moore added that it was time to embrace new beginnings, as the group battles legal and business matters behind the scenes.

“These last two years, I have been locked in what really matters…with that I have made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music. This transition is not easy. Maverick is something I poured my heart into, so it’s like saying Goodbye to your kid,” he wrote.

Moore said moving forward, he would focus on making music “that makes people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”