Beyonce was sued in Manhattan Federal Court on Tuesday by music administators, allegeding she never obtained proper clearance to cover a song called “I’m Kissing You,” originally co-written by a singer named Des’ree — famous for her 1994 smash hit, “You Gotta Be.”
Des’ree’s version was used in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film “Romeo and Juliet,” Beyoncé’s version can be found on the re-release of her album, “B’Day.”
In the suit, Des’ree and her reps claim that Beyoncé, along with her record company, originally tried to work out a deal to use the song.
When they weren’t satisfied with the proposed terms — which included not being able to change the title or make a music video for the song — Beyoncé disregarded copyright law completely, and recorded the song and video without permission.
The song was eventually released on Beyoncé’s album, “B’Day - Deluxe Edition” on April 3, 2007, with the title “Still in Love (Kissing You).”
Des’ree is suing to halt distribution of the song, video and album and seeking at least $150,000 in damages.
Lawyers for Beyoncé and Des’ree couldn’t be reached for comment.
Listen to Des’ree’s “I’m Kissing You”
Listen to Beyonce’s “Still In Love (Kissing You)”
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1 response so far ↓
2thick4u // Apr 19, 2007 at 10:09 am
Now Beyonce’ and crew know that you have to get people’s permission to use their song. They need to pay more that 150K!!!
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