Singer Andra Day’s $575K Theft Claim Survives In $1.6 Million Fight With Ex-Manager

Singer Andra Day’s $575K Theft Claim Survives In $1.6 Million Fight With Ex-Manager

Andra Day just scored a major courtroom victory in her bitter $1.6 million legal war with former manager Jeffrey Evans.

A Los Angeles County judge ruled Thursday that the Grammy-winning singer’s central civil theft claim tied to $575,486 in publishing and master recording revenue can move forward, denying Evans’ attempt to toss the allegation at this early stage. The court also rejected his bid to block potential triple damages, finding Day had sufficiently pleaded the claim.

The ruling marks a significant step in Day’s broader lawsuit, in which she alleges Evans and his companies wrongfully pocketed at least $1.6 million in stolen funds. According to the complaint, the alleged financial misconduct left the “Rise Up” singer unable to pay the monthly minimum on more than $300,000 in credit card debt, on the verge of eviction, and without enough money to tour.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Day’s attorneys James Sammataro and Benjamin Akley called the ruling “a significant win,” saying it ensures the handling of her income will now face deeper scrutiny in court. The judge also pointed to Evans’ earlier court filing in which his companies admitted they had “mistakenly withheld” the $575,486 and agreed to return the money.

Evans, meanwhile, is pursuing his own competing lawsuit, claiming Day now owes him more than $850,000 in unpaid commissions and royalties, including money tied to a 2024 Kobalt publishing deal. He argues she has already recouped all funds owed and still owes him his percentage cut.

With both lawsuits now consolidated before Judge Andrew Esbenshade in downtown Los Angeles, the escalating legal showdown is headed toward its next major milestone: a trial-setting conference on June 25.