Maynard James Keenan Sued By Former Business Partner Over Gin Company Dispute

Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan has been named in a lawsuit filed by a former business partner connected to Arizona based gin brand Thirteen Moons Gin.

According to court documents filed in Maricopa County Superior Court on June 6th, former Potions, LLC co-manager Dave Sanclemente alleges he was removed from his role within the company following complaints he made regarding Keenan‘s conduct at other business ventures (per Courthouse News).

The lawsuit names Keenan, Potions, LLC, Thirteen Moons Gin entity PotionG, and fellow co-managers Tim White and Calvin Arnold as defendants, Sanclemente claims he played a key role in the day to day operation of Potions, the company behind Thirteen Moons Gin, and says that responsibility was a significant factor in his decision to become involved with the venture.

He further alleges investors were informed of his management position when backing the business.

According to the complaint, tensions escalated after Sanclemente filed a series of formal complaints during late 2025 regarding conduct by Keenan that he believed to be illegal. Sanclemente alleges that roughly one month later he was stripped of his responsibilities, barred from company headquarters and had his consulting agreement terminated.

“Defendants’ actions were in bad faith and committed solely as a means of retaliation and not for any legitimate business reason,” the complaint states.

Further details

The lawsuit also alleges Sanclemente was denied access to company records, financial information and business documentation despite making multiple requests to inspect them.

As a result, he is pursuing claims including breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and breach of fiduciary duty. He is seeking access to company books and records, punitive damages and reimbursement of legal fees.

“Injustice can be avoided only by enforcement of defendants’ promise for plaintiff to manage and guide the day-to-day operations of the venture,” the filing states.

At the time of writing, neither Keenan nor the other named defendants have publicly responded to the allegations, the claims remain allegations only and have not been tested in court.

Outside of his music career, Keenan is heavily involved in Arizona’s beverage industry through businesses including Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards and the Thirteen Moons Gin venture.

More details can be found here.

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