Nikki Sixx said Mick Mars is currently "confused" and being misled by his representatives amid his legal lawsuit against Motley Crue.
Things are yet to end between Mars and Motley Crue as the legal battle between two parties continues. The guitarist said his band gaslighted him and removed him from the group although he only announced his touring retirement and not a complete absence from the music industry.
Motley Crue tapped John 5 to replace Mars, and Sixx recently sent a new message to "confused" Mars amid the legal battle.
Mick Mars Being Controlled By Reps, Nikki Sixx Says
In an interview with Planet Rock, Sixx reflected on Motley Crue's decision to move on with John 5 and the current lawsuit filed by its former guitarist.
According to Sixx, there are only two options when a band member declares he can no longer tour due to health reasons: either quit the band for good or spend time looking at each other if they are not done yet.
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He clarified that Motley Crue members already understood Mars' health issues. However, they reportedly could not let the lawsuit affect the band's current vision. He added that Mars is only being affected by his representatives.
"We wish him the best and we know that he's a little bit confused and being misled by representatives right now," Sixx said. "But we still have to stay focused on why we're here."
Mick Mars' Retirement Explored
Mars announced his retirement from touring seven weeks after Motley Crue's Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium show in 2022, which served as the final stop of their scheduled stadium tour. He issued a statement to Variety in which he also clarified that he would still be part of the band.
He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Per Versus Arthritis, AS occurs when the body produces extra calcium around the bones of the spine, leading to inflammation and pain.
The guitarist first opened up about his struggles in Motley Crue's 2001 biography, "The Dirt." He disclosed that he has struggled with the disease since his late teens.
He already noticed that his hips started to hurt so bad whenever he tried moving his body. Due to financial issues, Mars opted not to consult a doctor, causing it to get worse over time.
