Lebo M’s legal team says there was never any agreement - verbal or written - that allowed Samuels to remove or sell the grand piano. They’ve released a redacted version of the divorce settlement agreement from September 2024, which reportedly states that each party would keep the property in their possession at the time.

According to his lawyers, the piano was in Lebo M’s possession and therefore never up for grabs.

Attorney Brian Msimeki, speaking on behalf of the Grammy-winning composer, told media that Pretty’s claims of having rights to the instrument through the divorce settlement are “factually incorrect, legally baseless and deliberately misleading”.

“There is only one valid settlement agreement and it was made an order of court,” said Msimeki. “There was no agreement. No consent. No justification to remove, sell, or dispose of that instrument. Only deception.”

A redacted copy of the divorce settlement, dated 30 September 2024, was released by Lebo M’s legal team. In it, both parties agreed to retain only the property and assets already in their possession at the time of the agreement.

According to this document, the piano remained in Lebo M’s possession and therefore could not have been claimed by Samuels.

Despite this, Samuels has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous statement to the press, she said, “The piano was part of the divorce settlement, so I’m baffled when he now cries foul. The issue of a stolen piano is an absurd story.”

Lebo M’s team submitted further legal correspondence to law enforcement, asserting that Samuels acted without any legal authority when she allegedly took possession of the piano.

This is not the first public fallout between the two. Their split was marked by tension and headlines, with the couple exchanging bitter accusations during and after the divorce proceedings.

Police are expected to assess the evidence submitted and determine whether further legal steps will be taken.