Former manager sues the Killers

The former manager of the rock group the Killers has filed a federal lawsuit against the band members and their lawyer, seeking $16 million for what he calls breach of contract.

Braden Merrick of L.A. alleges in the suit, filed this week in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, that he was fired last May, once the Las Vegas-based band gained success.

“As soon as he made them superstars they decided to stop paying him,” said Howard King, Merrick’s Los Angeles lawyer. “He’s entitled to a percentage of their income for his services as a manager and a producer.”

The band’s lawyer, Robert Reynolds, called the allegations “absolutely meritless.”

The Killers signed with Island Def Jam Records and had a hit with its first release, “Hot Fuss.”