Some situations just can't be turned into a heartfelt country song, no matter how hard you try. That's the case for Martina McBride and her husband, John McBride, who are currently facing a $1 million lawsuit from a former employee. This isn't the kind of story you'd expect from the couple known for their music and family values, but life has a way of throwing curveballs.
What’s the Story Behind the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit comes from Richard Hanson, who used to work at the McBrides' recording company, Blackbird Studios. According to E! News, Hanson claims that he was unjustly fired as an act of retaliation after he reported alleged illegal activity concerning the company’s internship program. It’s a serious accusation that has drawn attention to how the studio operates behind the scenes.
Martina’s Response to the Accusations
Martina, known for her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, has stepped forward to address the allegations. “Blackbird Studios fully cooperated with the Department of Labor, and they found that this claim wasn’t supported by the facts,” Martina told The Tennessean. “John and I have always strived to create a culture at Blackbird that feels like family, one that supports everyone who walks through its doors.” It's clear that the couple is standing firm in their defense, emphasizing the positive environment they’ve worked hard to cultivate.
Read also:Squishmallows Names The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Favorite Fluffy Companion
Unpaid Internship Program Under Scrutiny
In documents shared with E! News, Hanson claims that he ran Blackbird Studios’ unpaid internship program for five long years, from 2012 to 2017. He argues that the McBrides had a habit of assigning interns tasks that offered little to no educational or training benefits. Think about it—interns were reportedly tasked with cleaning bathrooms, dismantling equipment, and even running personal errands for the couple. These aren’t exactly the kind of tasks you’d expect from an internship at a prestigious music studio.
Allegations of Dangerous Tasks
Hanson went further, alleging that some of the tasks assigned to interns were downright dangerous. The documents state that John once asked two interns to visit his home in the middle of the night to check for an intruder. Shockingly, one intern was allegedly handed a loaded gun, despite having no firearm safety training. It’s hard to imagine this scenario playing out without raising serious concerns about safety and responsibility.
Emotional Distress Claims
Hanson also claims that interns faced harsh treatment if they failed to complete their assigned tasks. Allegedly, the McBrides would yell, scold, or chastise the unpaid interns, creating an intimidating and stressful work environment. As a result, Hanson is seeking “compensatory damages” for “emotional distress, humiliation, and pain and suffering” totaling $1 million or the maximum allowed under the Tennessee Private Protection Act (TPPA).
