OG Lady A Responds to Lawsuit from Band Formerly Named Lady Antebellum

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Blues singer Lady A faces off against country band Lady A.

Wednesday on Twitter, the Seattle-based artist, whose real name is Anita White, appeared to respond to a lawsuit filed by the country band formerly called Lady Antebellum.

“No Weapon formed against me shall prosper,” White wrote, adding the hashtag #TheRealLadyA.

White also posted a message on her Instagram page that read, “God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggles, and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up!” She included the hashtag #TheTruthIsLoud.

On June 11, the country trio — consisting of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood — announced that they changed their name to Lady A because the word “antebellum” refers to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery.

Days later, the band posted a screenshot of their digital meeting with White, in which it appears that both parties agreed to sharing the moniker “Lady A.”

However, per the band’s filing on Wednesday, their attorneys allege that White’s new legal counsel “delivered a draft settlement agreement that included an exorbitant monetary demand” after the two parties had a discussion about “continued coexistence” under the name Lady A.

In a statement obtained by People, the band alleges that White asked for $10 million.

“Today we are sad to share that our sincere hope to join together with Anita White in unity and common purpose has ended. She and her team have demanded a $10 million payment, so reluctantly we have come to the conclusion that we need to ask a court to affirm our right to continue to use the name Lady A, a trademark we have held for many years,” it read.

In the filing, lawyers say that the group have held the Lady A trademark since 2010.

“We never even entertained the idea that she shouldn’t also be able to use the name Lady A, and never will — today’s action doesn’t change that,” the statement continued.

“We’re disappointed that we won’t be able to work together with Anita for that greater purpose. We’re still committed to educating ourselves, our children and doing our part to fight for the racial justice so desperately needed in our country and around the world. We’ve only taken the first small steps and will prioritize racial equality as a key pillar of the work of [their charity] LadyAID, specifically leaning into supporting and empowering our youth. We hope Anita and the advisers she is now listening to will change their minds about their approach. We can do so much more together than in this dispute,” it concluded.

While the band is not asking for money, they are seeking a court declaration that states they are legally able to use the Lady A trademark without infringing on any trademark rights.

Last month, White wrote an email to Newsday saying that she “received a draft agreement from the Antebellum camp” but is “not happy about [it] yet again after talking in good faith.”

“Their camp is trying to erase me... Trust is important and I no longer trust them,” White was quoted saying.