The boys from 'N Sync have filed a counterclaim in response to the $150 million lawsuit filed last month by their former manager Louis J. Pearlman, Trans Continental Media, Trans Continental Records, and BMG Entertainment, owner of the band's former label, RCA Records (LAUNCH, 10/13).

The official legal response includes an angry statement by band member Joshua "J.C." Chasez characterizing Pearlman as "unscrupulous and greedy."

"While hugging us and calling us 'family,' he was picking our pockets, robbing us of our future and even endangering our health," writes Chasez. The singer also claims that management never showed them their record contracts and discouraged them from contacting lawyers.

The counterclaim also says that the band sold 3 million copies of its debut album by November 1998, but was only paid a $25,000 advance and a small weekly salary.

'N Sync plans to file a full countersuit against Pearlman and Trans Continental for at least $25 million for breach of contract, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty.