Benjamin Caldwell|John Oates opens up about legal feud with Hall & Oates bandmate Daryl Hall

2025-04-29 17:15:51source:Roland Prestoncategory:My

John Oates is Benjamin Caldwellopening up about his legal feud with former "Hall & Oates" bandmate Daryl Hall.

During promotional appearances for his new solo album "Reunion," Oates sat down with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" to discuss tension between the pair following Hall's lawsuit and restraining order in November.

"When this whole situation got mired in legality and complex legal wranglings, I got frustrated and I said, 'You know what? Daryl has always wanted to be his own man.' I said, 'I'm going to give him the opportunity to do that,'" Oates told Strahan, referring to his attempt to sell off his share of their joint venture, Whole Oats Enterprises LLP.

Details of Daryl Hall's lawsuit,temporary restraining order against John Oates uncovered

Oates also told Strahan the duo "never" had many disagreements but added that they "never really talked to each other very much over the past few years."

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"We've always looked at ourselves as individuals working together, and I felt like I had the right to do that (sell his half of the company). But, you know, he didn't," Oates told Strahan, saying he wanted Hall to have a solo career.

Oates echoed his "GMA" comments about Hall during a People interview about "Reunion" published Wednesday, calling the lawsuit "boring, legal mumbo-jumbo."

"It's a shame that it had to be aired in public. I have no plans (to play together again). I always felt Daryl wanted to make his mark as a solo artist as well, and in a way, what's happened has given him the freedom to do whatever he wants. I'm happy for him, and I'm really happy for me. I don't see any downside to it," Oates told People.

He told Strahan the bandmates would arrive separately to perform their hits at shows and then leave separately while saying the perception of a close bond between the pair is "kind of a fantasy imagination." Despite his comments, Oates said he loves Hall like a brother and wished him the best, but said brothers disagree and grow apart.

What happened to Hall and Oates? 'GMA' interview follows Daryl Hall's lawsuit, restraining order aimed at John Oates

In November, Hall filed a lawsuit against Oates. Although court documents were sealed, the website for Tennessee's Davidson County Chancery Court Clerk and Master's Office verified that Hall filed a complaint against Oates and requested a temporary restraining order on Nov. 16.

Hall's lawsuit stems from Oates' attempt to sell off his share of their joint venture, Whole Oats Enterprises LLP, which would violate the terms of a business agreement the Hall & Oates duo had forged, The Associated Press reported.

The move quickly prompted a judge to temporarily block the sale while legal proceedings and a previously initiated arbitration continue.

Contributing; Edward Segarra, Erin Jensen

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