Judge Says Nelly Should Recover Legal Fees in Dismissed ‘Country Grammar’ Royalties Suit

A federal magistrate judge has recommended that Nelly be reimbursed for legal fees stemming from a now-dismissed lawsuit over royalties from his 2000 debut album, Country Grammar.

In an Oct. 10 order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger called the complaint filed by Ali Jones—Nelly’s former St. Lunatics bandmate—“baseless” and “frivolous,” arguing it should have been obvious to Jones’s attorneys that the claims were time-barred.

“After being placed on notice that the [case] stood no chance of success, [Ali] did not withdraw his complaint. Instead, his attorneys doubled down,” Lehrburger wrote, according to Billboard. The judge also urged sanctions against Jones’s counsel for pressing ahead.

Jones alleged he was owed a share of royalties tied to Country Grammar. Nelly’s legal team countered that the September 2024 filing came years outside the statute of limitations. Three other St. Lunatics members initially named in the suit quickly dropped out, saying they did not intend to pursue claims; Jones voluntarily dismissed his case in April without explanation.

Nelly’s attorneys sought fee shifting and additional penalties to cover the cost of defending what they described as a meritless action. Lehrburger agreed in principle, faulting lead counsel Precious Felder Gates for “manipulated pleadings” that prolonged the litigation. The order did not set a dollar figure, but indicated any award should cover Nelly’s legal bills incurred since the case was refiled.

“This case sends a message to lawyers that there will be consequences for dragging a defendant into an action that is frivolous on its face and refusing to withdraw it,” Nelly attorney Ken Freundlich said in a statement.

A district judge will make the final determination on fees and any sanctions.