Monkees’ Singer Sues the FBI

Music Icon SUES FBI – Settling An Old Score!

(NewsReady.com) – During the Vietnam War, the FBI surveilled anti-war advocates from around the world. The Monkees, a popular band in the 1960s, was very much against the conflict and wrote a number of songs about it. Decades later, the last surviving member of the band is suing the federal government.

On Tuesday, August 30, Micky Dolenz filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ). The 77-year-old singer wants the FBI to hand over the file it kept on the band. The suit comes more than a decade after the federal agency released some of the information it had on the group.

Highly-redacted records show the FBI was worried about The Monkees denouncing the Vietnam War. Of particular concern was a screen that was behind the band as it performed. Documents show agents thought there were “subliminal messages” on the screen that were “left wing innovations of a political nature.”

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"FBI – The Monkees Part 01 of 01" https://t.co/BR93AWK3Fm https://t.co/W0DGRiQEv1 pic.twitter.com/ptFZJRj6cj

— alicelilly (@alicelilly1) August 30, 2022

Dolenz submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to receive the files from the agency, but didn’t get what he wanted. WGN9 reported his suit alleges the decision to sue came after he “exhausted all necessary required administrative remedies.”

Attorney Mark Zaid posted on Twitter he is pleased to represent the musician. He asked why the FBI was even monitoring the group at all, but pledged to find answers.

I have been a #Monkees' fan since early 1970s so it is an absolutely pleasure to be representing @TheMickyDolenz1 in a #FOIA lawsuit against @FBI.

Why was the #FBI monitoring the band back in late 1960s? We will find out!

Thank you to @RollingStone! https://t.co/gutv5RedFJ

— Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) August 30, 2022