Legally and Musically, the “Blurred Lines” Decision Is a Disaster
The song “Blurred Lines” was a major topic of discussion in 2013, partly due to its catchy melody and 12-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100, and partly due to controversy over its perceived misogynistic and "rapey" content.
A legal battle ensued between the family of Marvin Gaye and songwriters Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, with the Gaye estate accusing the musicians of copying elements of Gaye's 1977 song “Got to Give It Up.”
Members of the Gaye estate publicly accused the musicians of copying key elements of Gaye’s iconic 1977 song “Got to Give It Up.”
Williams and Thicke pre-emptively sued the Gaye estate, seeking a court declaration that they did not copy Gaye, but the verdict has sparked controversy.
Author's summary: The "Blurred Lines" lawsuit has sparked controversy.