Timbaland sues former managers for $15 million

Timbaland is suing his ex-managers for $15 million (£11.2 million).

The Grammy-winning producer, known for smash hits including Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back and Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, has launched a lawsuit that includes claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent concealment, breach of contract and civil theft.

It claims Timbaland, legal name Timothy Mosley, suffered damages estimated to exceed $15 million and asks for a jury trial.

The 75-page lawsuit filed on Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court details how Gary Marella, along with business manager Bruce Seckendorf, took over Timbaland's finances in 2016 after the musician uncovered alleged misconduct by a prior management team.

Rather than look after his interests, the lawsuit alleges the new managers used "their entrusted authority to enrich themselves and others, conceal financial misconduct, and deplete Timbaland's valuable assets".

According to the suit, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Marella took at least $2.5 million (£1.86 million) in "excessive or unauthorised" commissions and "undisclosed American Express cards" that he allegedly used for groceries, cosmetic medical procedures, family vacations and other personal expenses.

In a statement sent to the outlet, Marella retorted that Timbaland himself was to blame for his financial issues.

"Unfortunately, Tim is attempting to shift responsibility for his own overspending and financial decisions onto someone else again, as he did before we managed him," he told the outlet.