Katy Perry Responds To ‘Dark Horse’ Copyright Lawsuit: ‘We Will Continue To Fight’
Last week, a court ruled that Katy Perry was liable for copyright infringement over similarities between her 2013 song “Dark Horse” and a 2009 Christian rap song. Now, Perry is responding to “Dark Horse” decision, saying she and her collaborators “will continue to fight.”
“The writers of ‘Dark Horse’ view the verdicts as a travesty of justice,” Perry’s attorney, Christine Lapera, said in a statement obtained by Variety. Along with Perry, producers Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), Cirkut (Henry Walter), and Max Martin (Karl Sandberg); rapper Juicy J (Jordan Houston); and lyricist Sarah Hudson are all named in the suit.
“There is no infringement,” the statement continued. “There was no access of substantial similarity. The only thing in common is unprotectable expression — evenly spaced ‘C’ and ‘B’ notes — repeated. People including musicologists from all over are expressing their dismay over this.”
On July 209, a federal jury in Los Angeles ruled that Perry, her record label, Capitol Records, and her collaborators were guilty of copying “Joyful Noise” by Marcus Gray, who performs under the name “Flame.” According to the New York Times, Perry and others named in the suit must pay Gray, and his co-writers Emanuel Lambert and Chike OjukwuLambert, $2.78 million in damages. Perry was personally deemed responsible for $500,000 of those damages.
“We will continue to fight at all appropriate levels to rectify the injustice,” Perry’s attorney stated on behalf of her client. Variety reported that Perry and her team will likely appeal the decision.
