Titus Day Settles Legal Feud and Admits Withholding Funds From Guy Sebastian

Celebrity manager Titus Day admitted on August 12, 2026, to withholding money owed to Australian singer Guy Sebastian, ending a nearly decade-long legal battle. Day apologised and reached a confidential settlement, prompting Sebastian to drop his civil action after years of criminal trials and appeals.

Titus Day Admits to Withholding Funds in Confidential Settlement

A nearly decade-long legal stoush between singer Guy Sebastian and his former manager Titus Day has culminated in an extraordinary admission from the high-profile celebrity manager. Day acknowledged that he failed to pay the former Australian Idol winner all the money he was owed. The pair reached a confidential settlement on Wednesday, which prompted Sebastian to drop his ongoing civil action against his former manager.

The dispute began almost ten years ago when Sebastian began to suspect that Day—whom he once considered a close friend—was withholding significant payments. When multiple attempts to resolve the financial conflict privately failed, Sebastian brought his evidence to the police. That police report resulted in Day being arrested and charged with embezzlement.

“There were many instances in which payments that should have been passed on to Guy, were not.”

Titus Day, celebrity manager

In his public statement, Day took full responsibility for his actions during the latter half of Sebastian’s career, admitting that he had become a poor steward of the ARIA Award winner’s income. He also acknowledged that his management company continued to receive and fail to pass on income after Sebastian left 6 Degrees management in 2017.

From Criminal Trials to Civil Settlement

The legal battle between the singer and his former manager wound its way through the Australian court system across multiple years and trials. In 2022, a New South Wales jury found Day guilty of embezzling almost $625,000, and a judge sentenced him to a maximum of four years in prison. After serving seven months behind bars, Day successfully appealed the conviction and won his freedom, which cleared the path for a second criminal trial in 2025.

During the retrial last year, a jury acquitted Day of four embezzlement counts but deadlocked on the remaining 31 charges. When prosecutors decided against pursuing a third criminal trial, Sebastian initiated civil proceedings to recover the funds. Looking back on the ordeal, Sebastian described the intense personal toll of giving evidence in court during the day while performing in arena shows for thousands of fans by night.

“I know this impacted a lot of people, but I believed it was something I couldn’t walk away from. I never could have imagined the twists and turns this ordeal would take.”

Guy Sebastian, singer-songwriter

Reflections on Fair Terms and Regrettable Decisions

In his statement, Day conceded that Sebastian had attempted to resolve the dispute long before any police investigation or criminal charges on terms he now recognizes as exceptionally fair. Day expressed deep regret over the path he chose, noting that a more reasonable approach early on would have avoided years of painful litigation.

Titus Day Settles Legal Feud and Admits Withholding Funds From Guy Sebastian — Photo: NINE

“At an early stage in the dispute, I should have been more reasonable and less emotional, which I have no doubt would have led to a swifter and more conciliatory outcome. I take full responsibility for this.”

Titus Day, celebrity manager

Sebastian’s lawyer, Mark Faraday, observed that the agent’s statement contained a clear apology and an acceptance of responsibility. Faraday added that a private resolution had always been his client’s primary preference.

Moving Forward After a Decade of Conflict

With the financial claims and legal actions finally put to rest, Sebastian indicated that he is ready to turn the page. The singer noted that the settlement represents more than just a legal resolution, stating that he genuinely wishes better times ahead for Day and his family.

Guy Sebastian settles with former manager Titus Day after long legal battle

“With the accountability shown and the apology Mr Day has provided in his statement, I am prepared to put aside my claim against him, forgive, and move forward.”

Guy Sebastian, singer-songwriter

Sebastian, who won the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003 and went on to sell more than seven million records globally, thanked his family, friends, and legal team for supporting him through the exhausting decade-long process. Neither party disclosed the precise financial terms of the confidential settlement.