A legal dispute between Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley and his former manager and producer Greig Nori is making headlines. The two sides are suing each other after the revelations contained in Whibley’s autobiographical book, Walking Disaster.
Deryck Whibley’s accusations
In his recently published autobiography, Whibley accuses Greig Nori of verbal and sexual abuse, claiming that the latter allegedly manipulated and exploited him during their early years together. Whibley describes an unbalanced relationship, marked by the control of Nori, who had demanded a total monopoly on the management of the group.
Whibley reveals a notable incident from when he was 18, where Nori allegedly attempted a sexual advance at a party. He reports that the former manager justified his actions by calling them “necessary exploration” and invoking the example of “queer rock stars”. Although Whibley ended the relationship, he claims Nori turned the tables, accusing him of homophobic behavior and blaming him for “owing” him for the relationship.
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Greig Nori’s response
After these accusations, Nori strongly disputed Whibley’s statements in an interview with Toronto Star. He stated: “The accusation that I initiated the relationship is false. Whibley initiated the relationship, and did so aggressively.”
Nori also denied any pressure put on Whibley and insisted their relationship was consensual: “When this relationship started, we were both adults. Accusations that I coerced Whibley into pursuing this relationship or used accusations of homophobia to manipulate him are false.”
-Legal escalation
Following Nori’s statements, Whibley hit back by posting a video on his social media, saying: “I stand behind every word written in my book. If you think I’m lying, Greig, there’s only one way to settle this: in court, under oath, whenever you want.”
Whibley filed a defamation suit, seeking $3 million in damages from Nori for tarnishing his public image by calling him a liar. For his part, Nori is suing Whibley and his publisher Simon & Schuster for defamation, alleging that the accusations made in Walking Disaster damaged its reputation.
The consequences for Nori
Following these allegations, Nori was suspended from his activities with the Algoma Conservatory of Music, where an internal investigation is underway.
Sum 41: a career in conclusion
Meanwhile, Sum 41 continues the final leg of its farewell tour. The band will close out its concerts at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on January 30, 2025 and will also perform at the Juno Awards on March 30, where they will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
