Electronic music pioneer Eric Prydz has filed a lawsuit against his former business manager Thomas St. John, accusing him of stealing more than $269,000 and engaging in what Prydz describes as “fraud,” “breach of trust,” and “unauthorized withdrawals.”

According to the legal filing, St. John — who had been handling Prydz’s finances, taxes, and touring-related administration since 2012 — began paying himself unapproved fees after a contract renewal in 2023. Court documents claim he issued $219,000 in unauthorized payments to his own firm, far beyond the agreed rate.

After Prydz terminated the contract, the lawsuit alleges that St. John demanded an additional $150,000 to complete the artist’s final tax return — a move the filing describes as “extortion.” When Prydz refused, the return was not submitted. The suit also claims St. John withdrew another $50,000 after being fired.

The case adds to a widening pattern: just months earlier, Calvin Harris filed his own multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the same manager, accusing him of mishandling more than $22 million.

Why This Matters

Cases like this highlight the hidden risks behind the glamour of the electronic music industry. Major DJs rely on financial managers to handle complex global income — but even top-tier artists can become vulnerable when trust is abused.
For the scene, it’s a reminder: artistic talent is one thing… protecting your business is another.