Dean Guitars has issued a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by the late “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott’s estate. In it, Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson said,
“We have always treated Dime and his brother Vinnie with the utmost respect and loyalty. We have enjoyed a long-standing, 17-year relationship with Dime and Vinnie, and continue that relationship with Vinnie’s estate on the ddrum side.
“We are shocked and saddened to see the actions that Ms. Haney has taken after both the Abbott brothers have tragically passed away, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors. However, it is unfortunate that Ms. Haney has allowed her unrealistic demands and accusations to dictate the future of the Dimebag Darrell legacy in the absence of Dime’s immediate family.
Dean Guitars is proud to have played a role in ensuring Dime’s legacy not only survived, but thrived over the past 17 years. We have stood by the estate through good and bad. Ms. Haney’s claims — across the board — are baseless, without any merit, and not grounded in reality. We will allow the full truth to come out as the legal process takes its course.”
On Monday (16th) we reported on the announcement made by Rita Haney, Dimebag’s longtime girlfriend and trustee of his estate, that she was cutting ties with Dean Guitars after 17 years with the company. She also revealed that she had filed a lawsuit against Dean, alleging fraud, breach of written agreement and false endorsement, among other claims.
Said Haney:
“It became clear to me that Dimebag’s relationship with Dean Guiars had come to an end when the CEO of Dean Guitars told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years, and then could not make the money they once did…and then continued on to tell me I should go somewhere else… Well…we will!” She went on to say that Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson was “incredibly disrespectful and often times belligerent to the legacy” of Dimebag.
Keep it here for the latest updates on the situation as it unfolds.
