According to TMZ, the surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN have fired back at Chris Cornell‘s widow, saying that they are the rightful owners of the band’s unreleased songs.

Earlier today, Marty Singer, an attorney for Vicky Cornell, issued the following statement in response to SOUNDGARDEN‘s motion:

“We obviously disagree with the band’s blatant mischaracterization of events, and stand by the truthful facts set forth in our complaint. It is disappointing that Chris‘ former band members have now sought to taint his legacy by making numerous false allegations, and that they continue to withhold substantial monies from his widow and minor children (despite using those same funds to pay for their own legal fees).

It added:

“The issue in this case is not who wrote the songs but rather who owns the specific recordings made solely by Chris while he resided in Florida. We are very confident that the Court will vindicate the rights of Chris‘ Estate, and that the case will properly remain in Florida, where Chris resided and recorded the songs that are now the lawful property of his Estate.”