Chance the Rapper Wins Legal Battle Against Former Manager Pat the Manager

A jury has rejected legal claims brought against Chance the Rapper by his longtime manager, Patrick Corcoran, known as Pat the Manager.

Jury Verdict Reached After Lengthy Trial

Chicago jurors reached the verdict on Friday night, March 20, 2026, following a two-and-a-half-week trial concerning the legal battle between Chance (born Chancelor Bennett) and Corcoran, who were once close collaborators but later experienced a falling out Music Business Worldwide.

The Lawsuit and Counterclaims

Corcoran initially sued Chance in 2020, alleging he was owed $3.8 million in unpaid commissions, including payments under a “sunset clause” extending three years after their professional separation. Crucially, the two parties never formalized their working relationship with a written contract Billboard. The jury rejected these claims.

Jurors also sided with Chance on his 2021 countersuit, which accused Corcoran of breaching fiduciary duties and exploiting career opportunities for personal gain. However, they awarded Chance only $35 in damages, significantly less than the $1 million he had sought Billboard.

Legal Arguments and Key Points

During closing arguments, Corcoran’s lawyer, Robert D. Sweeney, emphasized Corcoran’s role in Chance’s early success, citing the achievements of the 2016 album Coloring Book and Chance’s three Grammy wins in 2017. Sweeney argued that Corcoran was owed compensation under a 15% net deal established in 2013, including the three-year post-termination “sunset clause” Complete Music Update.

Chance’s lawyer, Precious S. Jacobs-Perry, countered that there was “no evidence” of a sunset agreement beyond Corcoran’s assertions, characterizing the case as driven by “Pat’s greed and wanting something he doesn’t deserve.” Jacobs-Perry presented communications dating back to 2014, where Corcoran outlined the 15% commission but made no mention of a post-termination agreement. She also accused Corcoran of prioritizing his own ventures and neglecting Chance’s projects, citing unfulfilled merchandise orders and alleged attempts to secure equity in Chance’s recordings Complete Music Update.

Reaction to the Verdict

In a statement to Billboard, Jay Scharkey, an attorney for Corcoran, said, “We respect the jury’s decision, but the message to music managers is clear: Get it in writing. The jury award of $35 speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance’s case.”

A representative for Chance did not immediately comment on the outcome.

Background: The Artist-Manager Relationship

Chance the Rapper and Pat the Manager had a close working relationship throughout Chance’s rise to prominence in the 2010s. Corcoran managed Chance from 2012 to 2020, before being fired and the two parties separating. Chance has since replaced Corcoran with his father, Ken Bennett, and brother, Taylor Bennett, in management roles Billboard.