Overview
- Levon Helm Studios filed a 61‑page federal complaint on Monday, August 10, saying Amy Helm’s conduct as president caused at least $2 million in damage and listing specific transactions it calls self‑dealing.
- The suit alleges roughly $400,000 in personal expenses were charged to the studio and nearly $200,000 was taken from the Levon Helm estate and its royalty LLC, delaying royalty distributions, the complaint says.
- Plaintiffs ask the court for repayment, punitive damages and an injunction to stop Amy from using the 'Midnight Ramble' or related marks, accusing her of creating a competing trademark called 'Helm Family Midnight Ramble.'
- Amy Helm has publicly denied the claims, called her ouster a 'shakedown' and said she will continue performing Rambles as a touring show without using the word 'Midnight.'
- The dispute follows a May management change that installed Brian Parillo as CEO after shareholders who control the studio removed Amy, and the fight has prompted artist cancellations, police visits in May, and parallel estate filings alleging elder exploitation and other counterclaims.