Ellie Goulding Files Lawsuit Against Former Managers Over Live Nation Conflict
British singer Ellie Goulding has filed a lawsuit against her former managers, Ben Mawson and Ed Millet of TaP Management, alleging that they did not disclose that TaP's parent company, HNOE, was partially and then fully owned by Live Nation, creating a conflict of interest that could have impacted her career. Goulding was managed by Mawson and Millet from 2018 to 2025, during which time she signed agreements with Live Nation companies for touring, merchandise, and a documentary film. The lawsuit seeks compensation for breaches of fiduciary duty and related entitlements.
Mawson and Millet, who took a 20% commission during their management of Goulding, were contractually restrained from activities that could harm the business relationship between their management clients and Live Nation or its affiliates. The lawsuit claims that the managers' personal interests as Live Nation employees could have conflicted with Goulding's best interests in securing favorable commercial terms with other parties. Live Nation acquired HNOE in 2015 and fully acquired the company four years later, with Mawson becoming HNOE's CEO post-acquisition.
Goulding has since returned to Sarah Stennett for management and WME for worldwide representation. Her upcoming sixth studio album, "I Know Too Much," is scheduled for release on September 4. The situation is ongoing, and more updates will be provided as it develops.