It has been proven, multiple times, that artists’ management is abusive and controlling. For years, artists were quiet about it, not knowing what to do and, sometimes, not seeing the signs until recently. 

Boyband Why Don’t We has been abused by manager David Loeffler since they became a band but is only speaking of it now. Loeffler filed a lawsuit against all five members – Jonah Marais, Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Jack Avery, and Zach Herron – for anticipatory breach in contract and business partner Randy Phillips for tortious interference with a business relationship. Phillips and the members filed an opposing lawsuit against Loeffler for verbal, mental, and financial abuse. 

The band released a statement on Instagram Sept. 9 explaining the situation a little better. 

“While we were initially excited to all be living together in the same house, working together on what we loved most, our music, little did we know that we would eventually become prisoners in the “Why Don’t We compound” under the supervision of one of our managers at  Signature Entertainment Partners,” the band revealed. “He would not only live with us during the day, but controlled us 24/7, setting an alarm that would go off if any door or window was opened. Needless-to-say, we were not given the security code to the alarm, essentially making us hostages in our home.” 

Not only were they trapped in their own home, isolated from friends and family, they were also mentally abused and malnourished. 

“Food was restricted to the point that some band members developed eating disorders. We had to sneak food in and hide it in our dresser,” the band said. “We were verbally berated almost everyday, alienated from our friends and family.” 

Though all this is happening to them, they are still remaining strong and loyal to their fans. 

“We will no longer be silenced and we look forward to finally closing the chapter on this traumatic stage in our lives by turning the page to our truth,” the band said. “Our commitment remains to our music, our label, and most of all to our fans who we cherish and draw strength from as we find our way through this journey.”