One of the co-founders of Maverick City Music is vehemently denying the claims in former member Chandler Moore’s explosive new lawsuit, saying Moore is just trying to “strong-arm” his way out of legitimate contracts with the Grammy-winning worship collective.

A lengthy Instagram statement shared Wednesday (Oct. 8) by Maverick City’s Jonathan Jay is the group’s first public statement since Moore announced his abrupt exit and filed a lawsuit alleging millions of dollars’ worth of royalties had been stolen from him.

The primary target of Moore’s lawsuit is Maverick City executive Norman Gyamfi, though he also names the collective and its label, TRIBL Records, as defendants. Moore claims Gyamfi, who was his manager before joining Maverick City as a part owner, orchestrated secret deals and forged his signature on contracts to siphon off the singer-songwriter’s publishing royalties.

Jay is now defending Gyamfi and Maverick City overall, writing on Instagram that he cannot “let a series of lies go unchecked.” Jay said the lawsuit’s false allegations are “calculated attempts to strong-arm a way out of agreements Chandler made freely and later breached.”

“To be clear: the claims being made against me, against Norman and against our companies are categorically false,” wrote Jay. “Our business dealings with Chandler were forthright, generous and above reproach. We acted in good faith, gave more than what was required and consistently extended grace. Any allegations of misdeeds are simply not true, and we welcome a full and honest examination, because the truth will speak for itself.”

“It saddens me deeply to see Chandler publicly allege something so wildly untrue,” Jay added. “There’s a pattern of avoided accountability, unresolved conflicts passed off to others, and a history of others being forced to carry the weight of consequences never owned. That pattern ends here.”

Jay ended the Instagram statement by affirming that Maverick City will continue making music while the legal dispute plays out: “I refuse to let a false narrative undo what so many people have labored, sacrifice and prayed for over the years.”

“The mission of Maverick City is bigger than any one person,” wrote Jay. “We will keep building. We will keep creating. We will keep lifting the name of Jesus in every room He opens until the Lord Himself says our time is up. We stand on truth. We stand on integrity. And we will not be moved.”

Moore’s legal team did not immediately return a request for comment regarding the Instagram post on Wednesday (Oct. 8). In a previous statement, Moore’s attorney Sam Lipshie said, “We are fully committed to helping Chandler recover what is rightfully his, resolve outstanding legal matters and assist him in moving forward freely to continue building the even-brighter impactful career that lies ahead for him.”