Funk legend George Clinton is at the centre of a new lawsuit which alleges he stole royalties from his bandmates by getting them hooked on drugs.
For over 60 years, George Clinton has been one of the most influential figures in the world of funk music.
From forming iconic groups Parliament, Funkadelic, and their combined collective Parliament-Funkadelic, the musician has worked with some of music’s biggest names in that time.
As a result, it’s no stretch to say that there have been a few disputes over the years, whether it be regarding money, touring, or how to play a song live.
However, a new lawsuit from the estate of a former Parliament-Funkadelic band member has alleged that Clinton partook in some questionable activity with his bandmates, going so far as to use illegal substances as a way to retain royalties.
Check out ‘Give Up The Funk’ by Parliament:
According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the estate of George “Bernie” Worrell Jr. (who passed away in 2016) has claimed that George Clinton had a royalty agreement with Worrell, stretching back to 1976.
While Worrell worked with Clinton for years, writing and performing on a number of Parliament-Funkadelic (a group he helped co-found), Worrell’s widow alleges that Clinton provided his bandmates with drugs, then deducting the money from their pay.
“Clinton has a history of fraud, deceit, and delinquency when it comes to the performance of contracts that he has entered into on behalf of himself or his companies,” she explained. “Apparently, Clinton did this despite many band members not wanting drugs and needing money to provide for their families.
“Drug use was encouraged and pushed by Clinton. Another band member Grady Thomas recounts how, “[Clinton] had a long fingernail. And he would go around and…, ‘hey man, here. Have some.’”
The widow of Bernie Worrell has also claimed that George Clinton reportedly used his ability as a “drug supplier” not only control band members, but to also retain the money they made from live performances and royalties.
“Clinton’s drug culture caused many of the band members to become addicts who had to seek treatment for their addiction later in life,” the lawsuit claims.
Worrell’s widow claims that “members of the band members never recovered and drug addiction cost them their lives. Clinton manipulated the band members with drugs and promises which were never kept.”
George Clinton is yet to respond to this lawsuit.
Check out ‘Atomic Dog’ by George Clinton:
