Sugarland settles suit with founding member

11/15/2010

ATLANTA — The two members of the country duo Sugarland avoided a public trial with the group's founding member, settling a lawsuit over claims that she was owed an estimated $14 million of the band's profits after she left to pursue a solo career five years ago.

Sugarland, which last week was named the Country Music Association's vocal duo of the year, was set to go to trial Monday with founding member Kristen Hall over claims she was owed one-third of the band's profits even though she quit the band in December, 2005.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten signed a court order Friday saying the parties reached a settlement.