Lizzo is facing a copyright lawsuit related to an unreleased song featuring a mention of actress Sydney Sweeney. The legal claim has been filed by GRC Trust, which asserts that Lizzo sampled their 1970s song “Win or Lose (We Tried)” without permission. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and an injunction to prevent further distribution of the song.
Details of the Lawsuit
The GRC Trust is pursuing legal action in California, alleging that Lizzo’s usage of the sample led to profits she would not have otherwise earned. The lawsuit emphasizes that the song has never been commercially released or monetized.
Lawyers’ Claims
- The GRC Trust claims ownership of “Win or Lose (We Tried),” originally recorded by Sam Dees.
- They allege Lizzo’s infringement denies them potential profits.
- The company attempted to resolve the dispute informally but failed.
Lizzo’s team expressed surprise at the legal action, noting that the song in question has not been registered with any copyright or royalty organizations in the United States. This raises questions about any financial gain Lizzo could have made from a brief 13-second clip posted on social media.
Background on the Song
The song, informally titled “Good Jeans” or “I’m Goin’ In Till October,” drew significant attention when a snippet was shared on Lizzo’s Instagram and TikTok in August. The lyrics referenced Sydney Sweeney’s advertisement for American Eagle Jeans, stirring controversy and provoking a political discussion on beauty standards.
Public Reaction
Critics of the ad argued it perpetuated white beauty ideals, linking Sweeney’s appearance to the phrasing in the campaign. Lizzo responded by mocking the backlash in a follow-up video, demonstrating her support for Sweeney.
Lizzo’s Legal History
This lawsuit is not the first copyright challenge Lizzo has faced. In 2019, she was sued regarding her hit “Truth Hurts,” where producers claimed it was based on their earlier work. The case was ultimately dismissed following an out-of-court agreement. Additionally, Lizzo credited a social media user as a co-writer for a viral line in “Truth Hurts.” Meanwhile, GRC Trust is also pursuing a lawsuit against Kanye West for a similar sampling issue.
