The estate of late-Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker is defending itself from a lawsuit filed by Becker's longtime partner and fellow co-founder, singer Donald Fagen.
A representative for Becker's estate called Fagen's lawsuit "misleading," contending to Rolling Stone that the filing is "riddled with half-truths and omissions."
Fagen reportedly filed suit after Becker's widow, Delia Becker, sent a letter informing him of her intent to assume 50 percent ownership of the band.
The singer says that a 1972 buy/sell agreement between the original band members stated that remaining members can purchase all shares of any member who quits the band or dies.
Fagen is the only original member still in the group and continued touring as Steely Dan following Becker's death in early September of esophageal cancer.
Becker's estate tells Rolling Stone that the 1972 agreement was no longer in effect at the time of the guitarist's death. It also suggested Fagen acted callously in pursuing ownership of the band.
"The day after Walter died, Mr. Fagen had his lawyer send a demand letter to Walter's estate, thus beginning a legal campaign against Walter's family immediately after his death," Delia Becker's attorneys say.
They added that any assertion in Fagen's filing that Delia Becker initiated the legal action is "simply untrue."
Fagen's attorney Skip Miller countered, telling Rolling Stone:
"The main point is that the Buy/Sell agreement at the heart of the suit is as valid as the day it was signed. It's something Mr. Becker felt strongly about keeping in place and honoring, even during his years of illness."
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