Yesterday, we reported that the estate of legendary Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell were suing Dean Guitars, who have for some time endorsed Darrell and used his image and legacy to sell their products. The accusations in the complaint, made by Dime’s life partner Rita Haney, include that Dean continued using Dimebag’s image without paying the fees required to do so, and that they were dismissive and disrespectful of Haney and Dime’s legacy. Now, Dean CEO Evan Rubinson has made a public statement claiming that Haney’s accusations are unfair and baseless.
“We have always treated Dime and his brother Vinnie with the utmost respect and loyalty,” said Rubinson in a statement, as reported by Blabbermouth. “We have enjoyed a long-standing, 17-year relationship with Dime and Vinnie, and continue that relationship with Vinnie’s estate on the drum 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.”
In her own statement yesterday, Haney called out Rubinson specifically, saying, ““I made several attempts to amicably settle our dispute with Dean Guitars,however, it became clear to me that Dimebag’s relationship with Dean Guitars had come to an end when the new CEO of Dean Guitars told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years and they could not make the money they once did.. (so basically, he’s used up???) and then continued on to tell me i should go somewhere else. Well… we will!”
More on this story as it unfolds.
***
Words by Chris Krovatin
