Levon Helm Studios (LHS) has filed a federal lawsuit against Amy Helm, the singer-songwriter daughter of late The Band member Levon Helm, accusing her of self-dealing, trademark infringement and causing $2 million (£1.6 million) in damages. The suit, lodged on 10 August, escalates a bitter dispute over control of the studio, known as "the Barn", which erupted earlier this year between Amy Helm and other shareholders, including her stepmother Sandra Helm.

The 61-page complaint alleges Amy Helm charged $400,000 (£315,000) in personal expenses to the studio and took a further $200,000 (£158,000) from the Levon Helm Estate, including funds meant for royalty distribution to those who worked on his final albums. It also claims she infringed the trademark of the Midnight Ramble concert series, founded by her father, by registering her own version and diverting revenue to her own company. Amy was ousted as LHS president in May over alleged mismanagement, after which she accused shareholder Brian Parillo of financial exploitation and elder abuse of Sandra Helm, allegations he denies; police were also called to the studio following a reported physical altercation, though no charges were filed.