Songwriters Christopher Miranda, Rosco Banlaoi, and Jordan Vincent have sued Normani, Sam Smith, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, and EMI Music Publishing for copyright infringement over the 2019 song “Dancing with a Stranger.” The songwriters accused Normani and Smith of lifting the title, chorus, and composition of their 2017 song. The plaintiffs explain that the song was previously circulated around in 2015. So, “Smith, alongside other co-writers on the song, James Napier and Tor Erik Hermansen, as well as Normani’s manager Brandon Silverstein and her mentor Tim Blacksmith, all had access to the 2017 release, its video, and the video’s call sheet.” Vincent and his co-writers claim that the “Dancing with a Stranger” “generated significant revenue and profits,” and they are seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.
The court document reads, “the hook/chorus in both songs — the most significant part and artistic aspect of these works — contains the lyrics’ dancing with a stranger’ being sung over a nearly identical melody and musical composition.”
The lawsuit continues, “Another suspicious coincidence is that the call sheet for plaintiff’s music video specifically mentioned using the visual concept of mannequins coming to life. Although this concept was not ultimately utilized in the plaintiff’s music video, Normani and the director of defendants’ music video gave an interview in 2019 discussing how defendants wanted to use porcelain statues coming to life for their music video.”
– Excerpt from an article for The Blast by . Read the full article here.
___________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained within this news post and site is offered simply as a consideration to visitors who are in the entertainment industry and are seeking to learn more about various areas of entertainment, be it in film, movies, television, music, digital, new media, film financing, merchandising and/or branding. As such, the information so provided should never be construed as legal advice. If you need further assistance or legal advice for your specific matter, please do not hesitate in contacting an entertainment attorney (film, music, digital, licensing, financing) here in Los Angeles, California at The Hollywood Lawyer by(1) emailing us at info@hollywoodlawyer.com; (2) calling us at (323) 300-4184; or (3) filling out our online form. thehollywoodlawyer.com
