Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley Alleges Abuse by Former Manager

Greig Nori, the former manager of the Canadian rock band Sum 41, has denied allegations that he coerced the band’s frontman, Deryck Whibley, into a sexual relationship during Whibley’s teenage years. In a statement provided to the Toronto Star, Nori stated, “The accusation that I initiated the relationship is false. I did not initiate it. Whibley initiated it, aggressively.”

The allegations come from Whibley’s recently published memoir “Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell.” Whibley claims that during his teenage years, Nori, then in his 30s, pressured him into a “toxic” and all-consuming relationship. “For the longest time, I never thought I would ever speak about this stuff,” Whibley told the Star. “It was a deep, dark secret I was going to take to my grave.”

Attempts by the Star to reach Nori for further comments earlier in the week were unsuccessful. In his memoir, Whibley alleges that Nori offered him guidance, gifted him music equipment, and introduced him to ecstasy, cultivating a relationship that Whibley claims began when both Nori and he were adults. Nori has since denied any behavior resembling grooming or undue influence over Whibley.

The memoir has sent shock waves throughout the Canadian music industry, where Nori was a significant figure. Known for his role on MuchMusic‘s “Disband” and producing music for acts like Hedley and Marianas Trench, Nori had authority in shaping young Canadian music acts. Whibley, now 44, describes their relationship as a challenging and manipulative period that was kept hidden for years.

Whibley has shared other life challenges in his memoir, such as his struggles with addiction, health issues, and navigating life in the spotlight, which he had previously mentioned in various interviews. However, the memoir is the first time he has publicly addressed the alleged misconduct with Nori.

Nori, in his Thursday statement, disputed Whibley’s accounts of their interactions, denying any coercion or wrongdoing, asserting that their relationship evolved consensually and eventually faded out naturally. “Our business relationship continued,” he maintained.