As reported by PEOPLE, Beyoncé and Big Freedia are facing a lawsuit alleging "willful copyright infringement, unfair trade practices, and unjust enrichment" over their 2022 song "Break My Soul."
Court documents obtained by PEOPLE reveal that the New Orleans-based group Da Showstoppaz claims Big Freedia, and subsequently Beyoncé, used the phrase "Release a Wiggle" from the group’s 2002 song without permission or credit for both "Break My Soul" and Big Freedia's 2014 song "Explode."
The lawsuit, filed in Louisiana, alleges that "Release a Wiggle" was intentionally taken by Big Freedia in the recording of "Explode," which was then largely sampled by Beyoncé in "Break My Soul." According to court documents, “usage of the actual words, melody, and musical arrangement of the “Release a Wiggle” were deliberately taken by Big Freedia in the recording of ‘Explode,’ which was subsequently heavily sampled by Mrs. Carter in the master recording of ‘Break My Soul.’”
According to PEOPLE, Representatives for Beyoncé, Big Freedia, and Da Showstoppaz did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
The suit also claims that Da Showstoppaz were not credited for their contribution to the success of the songs and have not received compensation. "Defendants have not acknowledged their contribution, obtained permission to use their copyrighted lyrics, melody, and musical arrangement, nor provided compensation to Da Showstoppaz’s,"
The group is seeking to require the defendants to substantiate the profits from the infringement, cease unauthorized use of their works, and provide credit and compensation.
According to court documents, Da Showstoppaz holds a "protectable copyright interest" over the "musical composition and the sound recording" of "Release a Wiggle."
Beyoncé's "Break My Soul," which sampled Big Freedia’s "Explode," received four Grammy nominations and won the award for best dance/electronic recording in 2023.
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