Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson has responded to the lawsuit filed by Rita Haney on behalf of late Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott‘s estate.
On Monday, Haney — Dime’s longtime partner and the trustee of his estate — sued Dean for fraud, breach of written agreement and false endorsement, among other counts, allegedly committed after their contract with the guitar brand had expired. She also accused Rubinson specifically of being “incredibly disrespectful and often times belligerent to the legacy” of Dimebag.
Dimebag had first signed a deal with Dean in 2004, and the partnership continued with his estate following his murder later that year. In filing the lawsuit, Haney also announced that the collaboration with Dean has now ended.
In an Instagram Story posted on Tuesday evening, Rubinson called Haney’s claims “baseless” and “without any merit.”
“We have always treated Dime and his brother Vinnie with the utmost respect and loyalty,” Rubinson writes. “We have enjoyed a long-standing, 17-year relationship with Dime and Vinnie, and continue that relationship with Vinnie’s estate on the drum side.”
The statement continues, “We are shocked and saddened to see the actions that Ms. Haney has taken after both the Abbott brothers have tragically passed away, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors. However, it is unfortunate that Ms. Haney has allowed her unrealistic demands and accusations to dictate the future of the Dimebag Darrell legacy in the absence of Dime’s immediate family.”
Rubinson notes, “Dean Guitars is proud to have played a role in ensuring Dime’s legacy not only survived but thrived over the bast 17 years.”
He adds, “Ms. Haney’s claims — across the board — are baseless, without any merit, and not grounded in reality. We will allow the full truth to come out as the legal process takes its course.”
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