Singer Ellie Goulding has filed a lawsuit against her former managers, Ben Mawson and Ed Millett, alleging a conflict of interest that may have resulted in financial losses. Goulding claims that Mawson and Millett, co-founders of TaP Management, failed to secure the most advantageous touring, merchandise, and film deals for her.
According to the lawsuit, TaP Management represented Goulding from 2018 until 2025, earning a 20% commission. During this period, Goulding entered into agreements with companies within the Live Nation group for touring, merchandise, and a documentary film. She alleges that she was not informed that TaP's parent company, HNOE, was partially, and later entirely, acquired by Live Nation.
The claim asserts that Mawson and Millett were contractually restricted from activities that could negatively affect their business relationship with Live Nation or its affiliates. As employees of Live Nation, they allegedly had a personal interest or duty in dealings between Goulding and Live Nation entities that conflicted with Goulding's interest in obtaining the best commercial terms.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified equitable compensation and/or damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. Mawson and Millett, who founded TaP Management in 2010, have also managed artists such as Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey. Mawson is also reported to be managing Duffy and previously worked with Cruz Beckham.
Goulding has since changed management to Sarah Stennett and secured worldwide representation with WME. The legal action comes shortly before the release of her sixth studio album, "I Know Too Much," scheduled for September 4.
Separately, the album's latest single, "4 Seasons," has drawn attention due to its lyrics referencing a romance with actor Beau Minniear, the father of her child. Minniear reportedly has a criminal record, including charges from a 2018 arrest in Florida for robbery, felony battery, and marijuana possession. He admitted to misdemeanor battery as part of a plea deal and received probation and a fine.