Lizzo Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Sydney Sweeney Song

Lizzo is currently facing a copyright lawsuit concerning allegations of unauthorized sampling in her music. The claim arises from her new track, which gained traction on social media after referencing actress Sydney Sweeney’s advertisements for American Eagle jeans.

Lawsuit Over Sampling Claims

The GRC Trust, which holds the copyright for the 1970s song “Win or Lose (We Tried),” has filed the lawsuit in California. They assert that Lizzo sampled their music without permission. The trust is seeking financial restitution for lost profits, claiming that Lizzo’s infringement has resulted in profits that they would not have otherwise earned.

Details of the Copyright Case

• The lawsuit was officially filed in California.
• GRC Trust is seeking an injunction to prevent further distribution of Lizzo’s song.
• They are demanding a financial settlement to cover all profits that Lizzo may have gained, plus GRC’s losses due to this infringement.

Lizzo’s representative expressed surprise over the lawsuit, emphasizing that the song has not been commercially released. The track, which has not been registered with copyright or royalty organizations, was initially shared as a brief 13-second clip in August. Following its posting, the clip was removed from her social media accounts.

Background of the Controversy

The song, temporarily referred to by fans as “Good Jeans” or “I’m Goin’ In Till October,” features lyrics that mention Sydney Sweeney. The line “I got good jeans like I’m Sydney” stirred mixed interpretations, ignored by some as mere praise while considered offensive by others, linking it to societal issues around beauty standards.

Lizzo’s intention appeared to be satirical, as seen in a follow-up video she posted that responded to a critique of Sweeney’s advertisement, which had sparked debate about promoting particular beauty ideals. This controversy is not an isolated incident for Lizzo, who previously faced a copyright claim regarding her hit “Truth Hurts” back in 2019.

Previous Legal Challenges

• In 2019, Lizzo was sued over “Truth Hurts” by three producers claiming it was derivative of their earlier song “Healthy.”
• That case was settled after reaching an out-of-court agreement.
• Lizzo also credited social media user Mina Lioness as co-writer for a viral lyric from “Truth Hurts.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, Lizzo’s fans and critics alike await further developments in this intriguing case over her alleged copyright infringement, showcasing both the complexities of music rights and the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture. This lawsuit adds to the growing narrative surrounding sampling in the music industry and its legal implications.