AI Music Lawsuits, Lizzo’s Legal Battle, Eminem vs Meta and the Biggest Music Law Stories This Week

A.I. Music Lawsuits, Lizzo Harassment Case, Eminem-Meta Battle & More Top Music Law News

This week’s Legal Beat update covers key developments in music law, including settlement talks between major labels and AI firms, Lizzo’s legal appeal, Eminem’s lawsuit against Meta, and other significant cases shaping the industry.

The Big Story: AI and the Music Industry’s Legal Crossroads

Major labels Universal Music, Warner Music, and Sony Music are reportedly in discussions to license their catalogs to AI startups Suno and Udio. This comes less than a year after these labels sued the startups for alleged copyright infringement on a massive scale.

The battle centers on whether AI can be trained using existing music without violating artists' rights. Labels argue AI firms are infringing on musicians’ intellectual property, while the startups claim the labels are trying to block innovation to protect their market position.

Despite talks, a final settlement seems distant. Litigation often involves ongoing negotiations, but resolving the complex issues around licensing AI training data will take time.

The labels face a critical choice: settle and receive immediate revenue but risk empowering technology that could reduce their future control, or continue litigation and risk falling behind in a changing market.

History offers a cautionary tale. In the 2000s, labels resisted new digital distribution methods, resulting in significant losses before partnering with streaming platforms like Spotify. But AI presents a different challenge—if labels license their catalogs for AI training, they may eventually become obsolete.

Lizzo’s Appeal in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Lizzo’s legal team has filed an appeal seeking to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by her former backup dancers. They claim the suit infringes on Lizzo’s First Amendment rights, asserting her conduct was part of her artistic expression and protected free speech.

Eminem vs. Meta: Copyright Battle

Eminem’s rights-holder, Eight Mile Style, has sued Meta (Facebook and Instagram) for allegedly streaming “Lose Yourself” and other tracks without permission. The lawsuit accuses Meta of unauthorized use of Eminem’s music on a massive scale to generate substantial profits without proper licensing.

Smokey Robinson Countersuit

Motown legend Smokey Robinson has filed a countersuit against four former housekeepers who accused him of rape. Robinson alleges the claims are part of an extortion scheme involving defamation, invasion of privacy, civil conspiracy, and elder abuse.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again Granted Pardon

Former president Donald Trump pardoned rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who had pleaded guilty to firearm possession as a convicted felon. The rapper expressed gratitude on social media, noting the pardon opens new opportunities for his future.

Josh Klinghoffer’s Plea Deal After Fatal Traffic Incident

Ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer reached a plea agreement after a fatal car accident last year. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and received one year of informal probation plus 60 days of community labor.

Offset Seeks Spousal Support from Cardi B

In their ongoing divorce, Offset amended his filings to request spousal support from Cardi B. The couple, married for six years, remains embroiled in a contentious legal separation.

Justice Department Pushes Supreme Court to Hear $1 Billion Music Piracy Case

The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to take up a major lawsuit against Cox Communications, which was held liable for widespread music piracy by its users. The 2019 verdict awarded $1 billion to major labels, but a broad ruling could force internet providers to cut off services nationwide.

Fivio Foreign Enters Plea Deal

Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign accepted a plea deal in a criminal case involving allegations he brandished a gun during a traffic incident. He pled guilty to third-degree terroristic threats, while other charges were dropped.