Manhattan DA Forced to Drop Don Henley's Lyrics Theft Case After Hidden Evidence Emerges
The Manhattan District Attorney has dismissed charges in the Don Henley lyrics theft case after the Eagles frontman disclosed approximately 6,000 pages of new evidence during the trial. Justice Curtis Farber ruled that Henley "manipulated" the DA's office by withholding crucial evidence.
Don Henley performing live on stage
Three defendants - rare books dealer Glenn Horowitz, former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator Craig Inciardi, and memorabilia seller Edward Kosinki - were initially charged with conspiracy to possess stolen property. They were accused of attempting to sell handwritten "Hotel California" lyrics and other memorabilia back to Henley.
The case unraveled when Henley and Eagles manager Irving Azoff waived their attorney-client privilege, revealing thousands of pages of communications that cast doubt on Henley's claim that the materials were stolen. According to Assistant District Attorney Aaron Ginandes, this evidence should have been presented much earlier in the proceedings.
Scott Edelman, attorney for Kosinki, criticized the DA's office for being "blinded by the fame and fortune of a celebrity," suggesting the case would never have proceeded with a non-celebrity plaintiff.
Henley's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, maintains that the musician remains the victim in this situation and indicates that civil legal action is still possible.
Don Henley performing with guitar onstage
Beverly Hills Hotel with pink facade
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