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Federal Court proceedings filed by Guy Sebastian against his former manager have now settled, with the latter taking “full responsibility” for allowing the dispute to drag on for nearly a decade.
In statements jointly shared with the media, Australian singer Guy Sebastian, his former manager Titus Day, and Sebastian’s lawyer Mark Faraday said they have settled Federal Court of Australia proceedings that alleged Day embezzled thousands of dollars.
“I never could have imagined the twists and turns this ordeal would take. With the accountability shown and the apology Day has provided in his statement, I am prepared to put aside my claim against him, forgive, and move forward,” Sebastian said.
Nine years ago, following multiple attempts to discuss suspicions Guy had over finances, evidence was presented to the police.
Day was arrested, found guilty of embezzling $625,000, and sentenced, but was freed on appeal. A second trial was discharged after a jury found Day not guilty on four counts of embezzlement but was unable to come to a verdict on the remaining 31 counts.
The Federal Court proceedings were initiated shortly afterwards.
Day admitted to making “a number of regrettable decisions which have had painful consequences” for the parties and their families.
He acknowledged that Sebastian attempted to settle “on what I now consider to be incredibly fair terms” long before the criminal trials.
“I would do things differently if I had my time again.
“At an early stage in the dispute, I should have been more reasonable and less emotional, which I have no doubt would have led to a swifter and more conciliatory outcome,” Day said.
“I take full responsibility for this.”
Day said he was a “poor steward” of Sebastian’s income and there were “many instances” in which he should have passed payments on.
“I acknowledge and regret the impact that the ongoing dispute must have had on Guy and his family, including the impact of being a witness in the protracted criminal proceedings.
“I thank Guy for his willingness to discontinue the civil proceedings against me and allow each of us and our families to move on from the dispute,” Day said.
Faraday said his client wished Day had taken this approach “much sooner” but appreciates the parties have “finally arrived at a place where they can all move on”.
“Today’s statement from Day speaks for itself. It contains a clear apology, an acceptance of responsibility and an acknowledgement that payments owed to Guy were not passed on,” Faraday said.
