Pharrell, Robin Thicke Say ‘Blurred Lines’ Ruling Sets “Horrible Precedent”

After losing a multi-million dollar plagiarism lawsuit earlier today, Blurred Lines co-creators Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and rapper T.I. have hit back with a joint statement saying that the ruling — which found that Blurred Lines copied ideas from a Marvin Gaye track — “sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward”.

In their joint statement (via Billboard), Williams, Thicke and T.I. say they did not take the musical ideas for Blurred Lines from anyone, and are still deciding what their next legal move will be.

“While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward,” the statement reads.

Blurred Lines was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and T.I. and not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter.”

The matter in question now requires Williams and Thicke to pay millions of dollars to the family of the late Marvin Gaye, after they were found guilty of plagiarising elements of his 1977 song Got To Give It Up.

During the Blurred Lines trial, Williams testified that Blurred Lines channels “that ’70s feeling”, and added that he looks up to Marvin Gaye. “The last thing you want to do as a creator is take something of someone else’s when you love him,” Williams reportedly told the court.

Compare Blurred Lines and Got To Give It Up for yourself, below.

UPDATE 20/03/15: Pharrell Williams has warned that the Blurred Lines verdict will kill creativity. He has also said that he and Thicke are still figuring out their legal options.

Watch: Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell

Listen: Marvin Gaye – Got To Give It Up

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