On Monday (September 16), Morrissey shared a statement on his website titled, “THE PLOT THICKENS,” which claims that his former bandmate, guitarist Johnny Marr, has “successfully applied for 100% trademark rights / Intellectual Property ownership of The Smiths name.” Morrissey disclosed that the move frees up Marr to “tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice” while also “denying Morrissey considerable financial livelihood.” The statement also alleges that, “This action was done without any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of ‘objection.’”

In the last few weeks, Morrissey has claimed that after he accepted a “lucrative offer” to reunite the Smiths, Marr turned it down. Morrissey also says that Marr apparently stood in the way of a potential greatest hits album from the Smiths, as well as a deluxe box set reissue of their debut album. Marr hasn’t released a public statement regarding any of Morrissey’s recent claims. (Consequence of Sound)