The late reggae icon Toots Hibbert’s estate threatens to sue The Maytals band over the continued use of the name.
According to local reports, members of the band were sent a cease-and-desist letter earlier this month by a California-based law firm on behalf of Hibbert’s estate, who insist that the band cannot perform under The Maytals name for any upcoming events. The letter states, “our clients hereby demand that you immediately cease and desist your use or contemplated use of any mark confusingly similar to our clients’ mark including, but not limited to, your use or contemplated use of the mark, “The Maytals Band”.
One member of the band, Clifton ‘Jackie’ Jackson, reportedly told a local news outlet that the bands’ legal team is currently dealing with the issue and that they have been advised to not comment on the matter at this time.
The original band members include Clifton Jackson, Charles Farquharson, Carl Harvey, Earl Paul Douglas, Radcliffe Bryan and Toots, who was the principal act up until his death. Since the passing of Toots, the rest of the bandmates intended on using the Maytals name, a title that they have been using for more than half a century.
Toots died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on September 11, 2020.