Pitbull had posted a 3-minute interview on his official website PlanetPit.com where he shares his thoughts on the lawsuit that Lindsay Lohan filed against him. The actress is suing the rapper over a lyric in his hit song “Give Me Everything” which, according to Lindsay, disparages her name. He didn’t really have to explain himself but my hat’s off to him for doing so. Pitbull said “When I mention Lindsay Lohan in the record it’s really a positive message. When I say I got it locked up, if you play at the park, if you from the neighborhood, when they say you got it locked up, that means you run that area.” He even invited Lindsay to come with him to the VMAs where he will be hitting the stage with Ne-Yo to perform the song.
Pitbull – Interview – Video http://www.vimeo.com/28137428
The lawsuit involving David LaChapelle claiming Rihanna ripped off his work for her “S&M” video has survived its first test and is moving forward. A New York federal judge found the themes in her video non-copyright material while the “angles, poses, and lighting” in David’s photos are completely protected. The judge also heard evidence that the storyboards used for the R&B singer’s video actually contained some of David’s photos. With legal matters not looking to be in her favor, Rihanna has decided to get a new lawyer. She fired her legal team from New York’s Pryor Cashman and replaced them with Paul Kilmer from Holland & Knight. It doesn’t look like it’s going to go much further though as talks of a settlement is hot.
It looks like the rapper is going to have to take his difficulties elsewhere. It seems that Eminem and his producers, F.B.T. Production Company, have entered into a bit of a legal conflict with Universal Music Group over the download of some of Eminem’s songs and ringtones. Supposedly the profits should be split 50-50 between the two parties, but Eminem and his producers are receiving 12% from the physical album sales… and this is probably wrong in some way, or at least Eminem and F.B.T. believe so. But the Supreme Court isn’t going to be taking on this case so it looks like they’re going to have to find another, more civilized way to handle this. Maybe a local mafia chief would do the trick.
Nickelback has recently been slapped with a copyright infringement lawsuit over their song “Figured You Out” as Vancouver band Econoline Crush seems to think that the more popular rock group ripped off their song “All That You Are”. According to legal documents Nickelback “maliciously and willfully and with a conscious disregard” for Econoline Crush’s song. The band is seeking “all damages permitted by Federal copyright law” including actual damages, along with statutory and punitive damages. It’s been years since the song came out, why did they decide to pursue the lawsuit now? I wonder if there are any merits to their claims.
And its not just any kind of lawsuit but the worst kind: the copyright infringement. It looks like a young rapper from Atlanta, who ironically goes by the name Young Caliber, is suing 50 Cent for the I Get Money track which he allegedly purchased from producer Apex before it was recorded by 50 Cent. This is what Young Calibers lawyer said on the matter: “The misappropriation of copyright-protected material is an endemic problem in the music business, and particularly in the genre of hip-hop/rap. This is one such case. Our client was granted exclusive rights to the ‘I Get Money’ instrumental and was unceremoniously cut out of the loop when the defendants realized they had a huge hit on their hands.” This one is a big woops for 50 Cent. Well, he will still have his diamonds.
The singer probably regrets marrying Ojani Noa a lot more than she did up to now since its his girlfriend, Claudia Vasquez, who is suing Jennifer Lopez for the not so small amount of ten million dollars. The lawsuit is apparently going to state that Jennifer Lopez misstated facts about her former husband just to get a restraining order against him. That should probably ensure that Jennifer Lopezs former husband and his girlfriend are going to have a very merry Christmas but its not going to be this one. Considering how long it takes for a lawsuit to get resolved or settled especially given how well Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Vasquez supposedly get along with each other.
Theres just no stopping these guys will.i.am is a freaking magician when it comes to plagiarism. The Black Eyed Peas are once again being sued for plagiarism, this time by Bryan Pringle who says that the group plagiarized his song Take a Drive for their big hit I Gotta Feeling. His lawyer had this to say on the matter: “A simple listening of the two songs will tell you that the songs are substantially similar, and that the hooks of the two songs are virtually identical in rhythm and lyrics.” Well, this is not the first time The Black Eyed Peas are being called to answer for their lack of creativity. But its no big deal for them, a settlement and thats that. They probably make more money off the track than the original artist ever dreamed of they can probably spare a few crumbs from their big table for the poor sap too. And so the industry works!
Eminem has come out to say that he was bullied so harshly as a child that his mother actually filed a lawsuit against the Detroit school system. The rappers history of being bullied started in elementary school when a bully split his lip open and knocked the wind out of him. Over time, Eminem suffered more beatings from the same bully. In his worst run-in, the bully hit Eminem in the face with a snowball containing a heavy object or a piece of ice and then proceeded to beat him up which resulted in a concussion and temporary loss of vision in one eye. Eminem has recently been speaking out against bullying in an effort to combat the trend of suicides resulting from anti-gay bullying in schools.
Britney Spears is calling BS on the lawsuit filed against her by a former bodyguard who claims that the singer sexually harassed him and abused her kids. The pop star recently posted a statement on her official website saying This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself. The Department of Children and Family Services conducted a proper investigation surrounding Mr. Flores’ accusations and have closed the case without any further action. Ms. Spears and her attorneys have every expectation that his matter will be dismissed by the courts.
A Miami federal judge has permitted Kanye West the option of not attending a mediation session with Suge Knight to resolve the lawsuit filed against him. If you recall, around 5 years ago, someone shot Sugein the leg at Kanyes house during a party. Since the shooter was never identified, Suge is suing the rapper for some big money. Instead of showing up in person, Kanye can just phone into the session from another location due to some long-standing business commitments outside the US. I say just pay Suge the million bucks hes suing for so Kanye can get on with his life.
Ne-Yo has been slapped with a lawsuit from the promoters of his cancelled 2008 New Years Eve concert in Washington State. The promoter claims that not only was he not refunded the money for the cancelled gig by the R&B singers booking agent, but he also has a damaged reputation. The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages, to refund the $95,000 deposit and the rest to clean up his rep. Why did Ne-Yo cancel in the first place? If he has a decent excuse, he may walk away with a win in this court and for the promoter to just have his ruined reputation.
Snoop Dogg has been slapped by a lawsuit from jazz musician Michael Henderson for sampling one of his songs. Michael says that the rapper took selections for his Do it All album without his permission to use on his track Flashbacks. He is also suing rappers Murs and 9th Wonder for the same thing. Michael is claiming statutory damages for the alleged copyright infringement as well as any profits made from the songs. He is also requesting that all the defendants to stop manufacturing, distributing and selling the works further. Cant we all just get along and agree to not steal?
Where fame and success go, lawsuits are soon to follow. Drake has learned that as the singer/rapper is facing a lawsuit from Playboy Enterprises for what they claim is a copyright infringement in his breakthrough hit Best I Ever Had. The lawsuit, filed against Drake, Cash Money Records, Universal Music Group and Universal Music Group Distribution, asserts that the song illegally samples Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds 1975 song Fallin in Love, the rights of which are owned by Playboy. According to documents Each Defendant either knew, or should have reasonably known, that the sound recording ['Fallin in Love'] was protected by copyright. Each Defendant continues to infringe upon Plaintiff’s right in and to the copyrighted sound recording.
Jay-Z spends roughly around $250,000 to spend 55 hours on a private jet and thats with a celebrity discount. However, according to a new lawsuit, the rapper never paid the entire cost to fly in style. Jay-Z is being sued by Air Platinum Holding, a private jet company which claims that the rap mogul spent 55 hours on their planes back in 2009 but only paid for 37 hours of service. The lawsuit also claims that the rapper flaked out on other payments. It breaks down to 18 hours of flight time for $81,000, catering for 17 domestic flights for $8,500, catering for 4 international flights for $3000, international fees for $8,500, taxes for $12,285 and a luxury trip to England for $24,200. This is why most people just fly coach.
Mariah Carey ran up a $38,000 tab with a veterinarian who claims that she cared for the curvaceous divas puppies 24/7 and even delivered one of them. Dr. Cindy Bressler has filed a lawsuit against the pop singer in Manhattan this week and claims that she provided extraordinary services for three of Mariahs Jack Russell terriers but that shes only been paid $8000 out of the $38K bill. Dr. Bressler was said to be in charge of grooming and feeding the dogs while Mariah was in LA promoting Precious. According to the vets attorney, Dr. Bressler also brought one of the dogs into this world by delivering the puppy last year.
God bless America! The land of eternal lawsuits thats probably what Axl Rose was thinking when he decided to counter sue his former manager, Irving Azoff, for a minimum of five million dollars. It seems that Axl Rose claims his former tried to sabotage him and compel him to do a reunion tour with all of the former members of Guns NRoses. How dare he? The fiend! Can you imagine how much that wouldve hurt all of those poor fans out there to see Axl Rose suffer on stage with his old band mates? Truly justice needs to be done here!
UK singer Eddy Grant is consulting his lawyers to consider filing a lawsuit against the Gorillaz for substantial damages over allegedly plagiarizing a song. The singer insists that the band?s new single ?Stylo? has the same keyboard riff from his 1983 track ?Time Warp?. Eddy even suggests that the group?s leader Damon Albarn is completely aware of the theft. Eddy said ?Damon Albarn knows in his heart of hearts – it’s unfortunate that we can?t get into people’s hearts – he knows that this is a song that he’s loved, in his club days? I don’t know the guy? but he knows this is a song he loves.? It?s not too far of a stretch, considering that both artists are under the same publishing company.
Kid Rock has to pay three guys who sued him over an alleged fight last year. The singer has to fork over $35,000 ? that isn?t at all bad considering that they originally demanded $15 million. The three men who filed the lawsuit last year claimed that the country rock star and three members of the Boo-Yaa Tribe hip hop group assaulted them outside of an LA hotel in 2006. The jury in the case reached the verdict and ordered Kid Rock to fork over the money for the three guys to split. It doesn?t sound so bad until you figure out that they weren?t awarded any attorneys fees which means that a nice chunk of that money, if not all, will be handed over to their lawyers.
Prince is facing a $2.3 million lawsuit after cancelling a concert in Dublin, Ireland back in June 2008. The singer pulled out of the show just 10 days before and promotions company MCD is seeking for some compensation. Prince is blaming his agents at William Morris Endeavor for booking the event without permission but MCD is saying that the icon gave no reason of substance for the cancellation. William Morris returned the $1.5 million booking fee that MCD paid after the cancellation but MCD also paid $949,760 to use the Croke Park location in Dublin. MCD is seeking compensation for financial loss and damage to commercial reputation.
There seems to be a real shortage of originality in rap music these days? so much so that artists have started borrowing music from each other, without first asking permission. That?s all fine and dandy until somebody gets caught. Hence T.I.?s presently delicate situation. One of his fellow rappers, Motoe Blizzid, is suing T.I. because he believes that ?What you know? contains way too many similarities to his ?Reverence? track. He?s not asking for much? just the profits from T.I.?s single? plus damages. Probably not the best thing for T.I. Didn?t they teach him to cover his tracks better at music school?
Jay-Z?s 40/40 nightclub in Atlantic City was the site of a violent fight between security personnel and club goers and now one of them is suing mad. Bryant Norwood was attacked and has filed a lawsuit for a substantial amount of money from the club since he?s claiming that the attack was unprovoked. His attorney said ?These so-called security personnel are going to have to answer why Mr. Norwood was lying on the ground being kicked and why he was punched in the head as he tried to escape from them. The 40/40 Club is going to have to answer why they hired people like this to supposedly protect their patrons and maintain order in their establishment.? The other two men in the attack are also planning to file lawsuits of their own.
Jay-Z is following in the footsteps of Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi and Gwen Stefani as the rapper has filed a lawsuit against a tea house in Alabama claiming that the place was rocking his music without paying the price. The sting operation went down at a place in Mobile, Alabama called A Spot of Tea which turns into a nightclub called Club Insanity. According to the lawsuit, agents working for ASCAP, an enforcer of music royalties, observed the bar playing all sorts of music that they?re not allowed to pay, including ?Umbrella? by Rihanna and Jay-Z. Jay-Z, along with the publishers of the other songs played, wants the club to pay up.
Although Jennifer Lopez filed a $10 million lawsuit against her ex Ojani Noa, it may not be enough to keep her most private moments from going public. Ojani?s agent Ed Meyer states ?Jennifer Lopez does not want the home videos to be entered into the open court record, where the media and the public can get copies of them and watch or share them.? He entered the tapes in court this Monday. I?m not sure how well that will fare with the court order banning the videos from public eyes. Meyer even sent the Jennifer Lopez?s legal team an email detailing his plans.
Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and the LA Lakers are getting sued by a company that claims that they all used knockoffs of their big screen in concert. Large Audience Display Systems says in a federal lawsuit filed in Texas that the concerts in question used a large audience display screen that was identical to their patented gigantic monitors. Britney uses the screen on her Circus tour. Justin used the monitors on his FutureSex/LoveShow tour and the Lakers use them for the games. The Pussycat Dolls were also involved in the lawsuit. The company wants an injunction prohibiting the defendants from using the knockoffs in the future as well as unspecified damages.
It looks like the superstar?s profession is finally catching up with her. One of Madonna?s neighbours from New York is suing her because of frequent loud music and dance sessions. It seems that all of Madonna?s neighbours are bothered by the fact that she?s using her appartment as a rehearsals studio and she has previously been threatened with eviction. Madonna has probably already thought of a sollution for this one. She?s most likely going to bring her boyfriend by much more often? but of course, that?s no guarantee that the decibel level will get any lower than it is now.
Toni Braxton can?t seem to catch a break when it comes to money. On top of Lloyd?s of London looking for damages, City National Bank also filed a lawsuit against the singer for breach of contract. According to court documents, in 2007 Toni ?made, executed and delivered to a CNB Promissory Note for $900,000.? Basically, she promised to pay back the money and obviously hasn?t after falling behind on payments in April of this year. City National Bank is seeking $657,567.74 and interest that amounts to over $44,000. Toni needs to get herself a job and fast if she wants to pay up what she owes because I doubt she has that kind of money stored away somewhere.
It was reported a while back that Eminem?s music publisher was going after Apple for the unauthorized sales of 93 of the rapper?s tracks on iTunes, claiming a copyright violation. The lawsuit has since been settled. Well that was quick! While the terms of the settlement are confidential, Eight Mile Style LLC?s attorney stated that ?the case was settled to the satisfaction of all parties.? Good for Eminem! Considering he?s pretty much considered washed up nowadays and has to ride on Mariah Carey for an ounce of attention, he can?t afford to lose the support he gets for his music from iTunes.
Rihanna was sued by a neighbor claiming that she and her friends drove all over his lawn, and now, the singer is trying to drive the lawsuit out of the court. In the original lawsuit, Christina Moeller claimed that the Barbadian beauty had been allowing cars to drive on his lawn to get to her driveway, adding that the cars sometimes just parked on his grass. Rihanna recently filed a response to that suit in an LA County Superior Court. Her lawyers deny almost every accusation saying neither the singer nor any person acting in contact with her caused any damage whatsoever.
Singer Lady Gaga is getting sued by an Irish entertainment company.
The Poker Face singer, known for her crazy dress sense, is currently part of a million-dollar lawsuit filed by an Irish company called “Grooveyard”.
Grooveyard have claimed that they shelled out US$320,000 for Gaga to perform in concerts in Belfast and Dublin with an NY-based company who claimed to rep for Gaga, but have now been lead to believe that they guy who took the money doesn’t actually rep for the 23-year-old singer.
After losing all their money, Grooveyard is angry and are now demanding its money back in a million-dollar lawsuit filed in NY State court.
Several members of Michael Jackson?s family say that they are already talking about lawyers who might represent them in a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Conrad Murray and others. However, the death of the King of Pop may prove to be such an economic bonanza that it can crush any lawsuit. In California, the late singer?s family could sue for the economic loss, i.e. the financial support that Michael could have provided if he were alive. But the thing is, his death may actually be an economic gain as it is pretty clear that his death is more profitable compared to the last couple of years of his life. There?s a whole lot more of legal jargon involved but the gist of it is, the Jackson family could still come up with goose eggs.
