In a high-stakes legal battle, Don Henley and Eagles manager Irving Azoff are facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit from Glenn Horowitz, a rare-book dealer previously implicated in a now-dismissed case involving stolen lyrics. Horowitz claims that both Henley and Azoff were fully aware that the handwritten lyric sheets were obtained legally, yet they proceeded with the trial, resulting in significant and irreparable harm to his reputation and livelihood. “Glenn is eager for his day in court,” said attorney Caitlin Robin to The Independent. “The charges against him have been dropped, but it’s crucial to bring to justice those who played a role in his unjust prosecution.”

Henley has expressed his desire to reclaim a collection of approximately 100 pages of handwritten lyrics dating back to the Hotel California era, which have been the subject of controversy. He initially reported the matter to authorities, asserting he was a victim of extortion, as others sought to auction off parts of the collection. This legal dispute highlights the complexities and challenges faced by artists in protecting their intellectual property and creative works.

Horowitz, along with Craig Inciardi, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator, and Edward Kosinski, a memorabilia auctioneer, were charged with conspiring to possess stolen property. The prosecution alleges that the trio was aware that the documents were illicitly taken from Henley’s residence by Ed Sanders, a journalist hired to pen an unpublished biography about the Eagles. This case has unveiled layers of controversy surrounding the acquisition of music memorabilia and how it intersects with artists’ rights.

READ MORE: Ranking Every Eagles Solo Album

In a shocking turn of events, new evidence emerged that prompted the dismissal of the original case. Attorney Robin asserts that communications between Henley, Azoff, and their legal team indicated they were aware that Sanders had legally obtained the lyric sheets. However, they allegedly “deliberately withheld this information” to protect their claims against Horowitz, which ultimately put his reputation and career at risk. This revelation raises questions about the ethics of the parties involved and the broader implications for the music industry.

What Are the Financial Stakes in Don Henley’s Lawsuit?

The judge presiding over the original case validated Horowitz’s claims and criticized Henley, Azoff, and their lawyers for attempting to “obfuscate and conceal information” that could have been detrimental to their position regarding the ownership of the lyric sheets. As a result, Horowitz is now pursuing millions in damages, asserting that he experienced a myriad of negative consequences due to the legal actions taken against him.

In a new lawsuit, Horowitz alleges he has faced “deprivation of liberty, humiliation, defamation, media harassment, diminished reputation, and loss of business and wages” exceeding ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00). Additionally, he cites profound emotional distress and frustration. His wife is also named as a co-plaintiff, claiming similar experiences of humiliation and mental anguish stemming from the situation.

Representing Henley and Azoff, attorney Dan Petrocelli maintains that Henley was wronged in this ordeal. He contends, “The indictment exposed troubling elements within the memorabilia industry, showcasing the unauthorized acquisition and sale of Mr. Henley?s handwritten lyrics.” Petrocelli further argues that the only real malicious prosecution here is the lawsuit filed by Horowitz.

In a parallel effort, Henley has initiated his own civil case, aiming to recover the original lyric sheets, which currently remain under the custody of the Manhattan district attorney’s office. This ongoing legal saga underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights and the lengths artists must go to safeguard their creative works.

Six Fascinating Facts About Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’