British singer Ellie Goulding has filed a lawsuit against her former managers, Ben Mawson and Ed Millet of TaP Management. The legal action centers on claims that the management team failed to tell her about their company’s ownership ties to entertainment giant Live Nation. Goulding argues this created a serious conflict of interest that may have hurt her career and finances.
The lawsuit was filed in the UK on July 24. Goulding is seeking unspecified compensation and damages for what she calls breaches of fiduciary duty. She is not suing Live Nation itself. The case targets Mawson, Millet, and TaP’s parent company HNOE.
What the Lawsuit Claims About Live Nation Ownership
The core of Goulding’s legal claim is straightforward. She says her managers never told her that Live Nation owned a significant part of their management company. According to court documents, Live Nation bought a 50.1 percent stake in TaP Management’s parent company HNOE in 2015. Then in 2019, Live Nation purchased the rest of the company.
After the full purchase, Mawson became CEO of HNOE. Both Mawson and Millet reported directly to someone chosen by Live Nation’s CEO. Goulding claims she had no idea about this ownership structure while they were managing her career.
The singer also alleges that her managers were contractually prevented from encouraging any artist they managed to stop doing business with Live Nation or any of its affiliates. This meant they could not freely recommend other companies that might have offered better deals.
“Mr. Mawson and Mr. Millett were subject to contractual obligations not to encourage any artist under their management to cease to do business with or reduce the extent of her business with any company in the Live Nation group.”
How Long Did the Management Relationship Last?
Mawson and Millet managed Goulding from 2018 until 2025 – a period of about seven years. During this time, they took a 20 percent commission on her earnings. Goulding signed multiple agreements with Live Nation companies while under their management. These deals covered touring, merchandise, and a documentary film.
Goulding joined TaP Management in 2018. At that time, the company’s roster included major stars like Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa. Dua Lipa left TaP in 2022. Goulding remained with the firm through the releases of her albums Brightest Blue (2020) and Higher Than Heaven (2023).
Why Does Goulding Say This Was a Problem?
The singer’s legal team argues that Mawson and Millet had divided loyalties. As employees of Live Nation, they had a personal interest in making sure Goulding did business with Live Nation companies. This potentially stopped them from finding the best possible deals for her.
The lawsuit states that the managers’ ties to Live Nation created an actual or potential conflict. Their duty to Goulding was to secure the most favorable commercial terms. But their connection to Live Nation may have pushed them toward deals that benefited Live Nation instead.
“Each of the defendants had a personal interest or duty in dealings between Ms. Goulding and companies in the Live Nation group, which was in actual or potential conflict with the interests of Ms. Goulding in securing the best commercial terms with whichever promoter, merchandiser, or other counterparty it was most advantageous for her to deal with.”
Goulding argues she may have missed out on better touring, merchandise, and film opportunities because her managers could not recommend rival companies. The lawsuit claims the managers were “restrained” from taking any action that could reduce their clients’ business with Live Nation.
Who Is Named in the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit names Ben Mawson and Ed Millet as defendants, along with HNOE Ltd – TaP Management’s parent company. Live Nation is not a defendant in the case. The entertainment giant is not accused of any wrongdoing in Goulding’s filing.
Mawson and Millet founded TaP Management in London in 2010. The company has represented several high-profile artists over the years. Besides Goulding, Lana Del Rey, and Dua Lipa, TaP has also worked with Dermot Kennedy, Erin LeCount, Duffy, and Hailee Steinfeld.
As of now, TaP’s roster reportedly includes Lana Del Rey as one of its major remaining stars. Mawson is now understood to be representing Duffy as the Welsh singer prepares for a comeback.
Where Does Goulding Stand Now?
Since leaving TaP Management, Goulding has moved on to new representation. She has returned to Sarah Stennett for management. Stennett had managed her earlier in her career. Goulding has also signed with WME for worldwide representation.
The legal action comes at a busy time for the singer. She is preparing to release her sixth studio album, I Know Too Much, on September 4. The album has already produced several singles, including ‘Black Prada Dress’, ‘4 Seasons’, and ‘Ravers’.
Goulding recently performed at halftime during England’s World Cup quarter-final victory against Norway. She also debuted ‘Black Prada Dress’ at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May.
The singer spoke to NME last November about her new music. She described it as her most honest work yet.
“This is probably the most honest I’ve been in my lyrics. I don’t have anyone to answer to. In certain situations, you’re trying to please someone, but for the first time ever, I don’t feel like I have to do that. I’m just making music that I love.”
Related:
What Happens Next in the Case?
The legal proceedings are still in their early stages. The allegations made in the lawsuit have not been proven in court. Goulding is seeking unspecified “equitable compensation and/or damages” for the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Representatives for Mawson, Millet, and TaP Management have not yet responded to requests for comment. A representative for Goulding declined to comment on the matter.
The case raises questions about transparency in the music industry. When management companies are owned by larger corporations, artists may not always know where their managers’ true loyalties lie. Goulding’s lawsuit highlights the importance of full disclosure between artists and their representatives.
Also Read: Ellie Goulding Confirms Pregnancy at 2025 Fashion Awards, Welcoming First Child with Beau Minniear
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for the latest updates on celebrity legal battles, music industry news, and entertainment stories from around the world.
Leave a Reply