A jury has ruled against Randy Phillips and Why Don't We in Signature Entertainment's claims of defamation, tortious interference, and breach of contract. Phillips has been ordered to pay $3,000,000 to Signature.

ORLANDO, Fla., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Signature Entertainment, a well-respected name in the music industry, emerged victorious after a landmark three-week trial in Orange County, Florida, where a jury issued a verdict against Randy Phillips and the band members of "Why Don't We": Jonah Marais, Corbyn Besson, Zach Herron, and Jack Avery. The verdict found the defendants liable for breach of contract, tortious interference, and defamation stemming from a baseless campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Signature Entertainment and its founder, David Loeffler. The jury awarded Signature Entertainment $3,400,000 in compensatory damages, offset by a $400,000 verdict on the defendant's counterclaim, which Signature intends to appeal.

The verdict marks the culmination of a grueling legal battle sparked by a defamatory article in Billboard Magazine and many other publications that falsely accused Signature Entertainment and Loeffler of abusive practices toward the band "Why Don't We." These unfounded allegations, orchestrated by Phillips and propagated by the band, inflicted severe personal and professional damage on Loeffler and harmed Signature Entertainment's brand within the music industry. The jury's verdict found that the Band's claims were false and defamatory and were spread through print and social media in a plan orchestrated by Randy Phillips and the individual band members.

"Today's verdict is a victory for truth and integrity in an industry too often plagued by opportunism, greed, and deceit," said David Loeffler, founder of Signature Entertainment. "Randy Phillips and Why Don't We sought to attack my reputation with false and defamatory statements, but justice has prevailed." Signature Entertainment remains committed to fostering genuine talent and building careers with honesty and dedication."

The trial revealed Phillips, a once-respected industry figure, as the scheme's architect to undermine Signature Entertainment's contractual rights and sabotage its standing in the music community. Evidence presented during the proceedings demonstrated that Phillips, leveraging his influence over the band "Why Don't We," orchestrated a breach of their legally binding agreements with Signature Entertainment while simultaneously interfering with and disrupting the company's operations. The verdict on the defamation claim demonstrated the bad intent behind the fabricated abuse narrative, which was amplified through high-profile media outlets to maximize the potential harm to the reputations of Signature and Mr. Loeffler.

Signature's counsel, Mike Levin of the Orlando office of Baker Hostetler LLP, stated, "We are gratified that the jury was able to see through the defendants' narrative and reach the correct result on these claims."

Signature Entertainment emerges from this ordeal stronger than ever, ready to reclaim its rightful place as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. With this legal victory, the company is actively pursuing growth opportunities, demonstrating a proven track record of success and a commitment to safeguarding its artists from the betrayals exemplified by Phillips and "Why Don't We." Signature Entertainment invites music industry professionals, artists, and fans to witness its resilience and dedication firsthand as it embarks on ambitious projects and partnerships in 2025 and beyond.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Signature Entertainment Press Office
Email: [email protected]

About Signature Entertainment:

Signature Entertainment is a leading entertainment company founded by David Loeffler, dedicated to discovering, developing, and propelling talent to global success. With a legacy of integrity and innovation, Signature Entertainment continues to blaze new trails and shape the future of the music industry.

SOURCE Signature Entertainment, LLC