Panic! at the Disco lead singer Brendon Urie sued a former roommate today for allegedly taking nearly $130,000 from his checking account without permission.
Urie filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Shane Valdez. The suit alleges embezzlement, fraud and that Valdez put his interests above those of Urie. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
A representative for Valdez could not be immediately reached for comment.
Urie and Valdez lived together in Malibu and Las Vegas from 2008 until early 2010, the suit states. As Urie toured, he gave Valdez access to his checking account so he could pay their mutual bills, according to the complaint.
Urie, 27, discovered last November that Valdez took $127,000 from the account without the singer’s consent, the suit alleges.
An attorney for Valdez admitted his client took the money, but claimed the funds were used to make a documentary about Urie’s life and to compensate him for providing assistance to the singer, according to the suit, which says Valdez’s alleged “explanation is ludicrous.”
The pop punk band was formed in 2004 and originated out of Las Vegas, Nev. Urie is one of the band’s original members, along with drummer Spencer Smith and bass guitarist Dallon Weekes. Past members include Brent Wilson, Ryan Ross, and Jon Walker.
Panic! at the Disco has released four albums, including its 2005 debut A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Other albums include Pretty. Odd. (2008), Vices & Virtues (2011), and Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die (2013).
In 2006, Panic! at the Disco won Video of the Year for “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” at the MTV Video Music Awards. The group has also earned two Grammy Award nominations.
Urie turned 27 earlier this month and was married last year in Malibu.
Additional reporting by Parimal M. Rohit.
