Pitchfork Music Festival Company Sues Co-Founder Mike Reed Over Alleged $564,680 Embezzlement

Pitchfork Festivals LLC filed suit in Chicago federal court in July 2026 against co-founder Mike Reed, alleging he misappropriated $564,680 in festival funds. The complaint claims Reed retained the money by filing falsified expense reimbursements, which he said covered preparation costs for the 2025 festival before it was cancelled — a claim the company disputes.

Details of the lawsuit

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Pitchfork Festivals LLC argues that the expenses Reed reported did not match actual preparation work carried out, amounting to improper use of company funds. The case is currently before a federal court in Chicago. Reed has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Background: Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork Music Festival ran for 19 consecutive years at Union Park in Chicago, becoming one of the marquee annual events on the American indie music calendar. The 2025 edition was cancelled before it took place, and the festival has not returned since.