MÖTLEY CRÜE Threatens Legal Action Over REELZ Documentary Series 'Breaking The Band'

MÖTLEY CRÜE members Vince Neil and Nikki Sixx have both slammed the latest episode of the Reelz documentary series "Breaking The Band", which focuses on the history of their band.

Neil complained on social media about the way his 1992 exit from CRÜE was portrayed in the documentary. The split happened after an argument between him and the other members of the band which the singer claims should have been defused by CRÜE's manager at the time, Doug Thaler. When Neil's departure was announced a short time later, the reason CRÜE gave for his dismissal was that Neil's motor racing had "become a priority" in his life. "His bandmates felt he didn't share their determination and passion for music," they said in a statement.

Last night, Vince took to his Instagram to write: "Breaking the band, fucking memories from a manager Doug Thaler who can't remember that he's the one who actually broke up the band! The band didn't break up because of me racing. It broke up because he was too much of a pussy who didn't just say, 'Hey guys, let's take a week off and come back with cooler heads.' He called me an hour later and said I was out of the band! Great management!"

Neil continued: "What he didn't say was, instead of me going racing I put out a top 10 single with 'You're Invited' — oops he forgot! Then an album called 'Exposed' — oops, forgot again! No wonder he was fired shortly after."

Sixx tweeted his disapproval over the Reelz episode, writing: "Breaking the Band was not authorized by MÖTLEY CRÜE. Our lawyers sent them a cease-and-desist and further action will be taken. @ReelzChannel Is the bottom of the barrel." He added in a separate twet: "Should @ReelzChannel be liable for putting out shows without so many artist approval? I am very disappointed that they think they can tell our LIFE story just to sell advertising ( mostly incorrect ) and without any bodies permission."

The decision to split with Neil was made on February 10, 1992 in the midst of a massive rainstorm over Los Angeles, Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee and guitarist Mick Mars sat impatiently waiting for Neil to arrive for a rehearsal.

In CRÜE's band biography "The Dirt", Sixx said that Neil's drinking was at least partly to blame for the singer's exit. "Except for Mick, we were all slipping off the wagon, but Vince was the only one who was letting it affect his work," he wrote. "By the time he arrived, the seed was already planted in our minds that he was holding us back."

Neil rejoined CRÜE in 1996 after the band released a 1994 self-titled album that featured John Corabi on lead vocals.