American singer-songwriter Casey Dienel is suing Justin Bieber for allegedly sampling her creative material without permission.
It’s unlikely to phase Bieber though, who is also currently facing legal action from event company Team Promotions for ruining their reputation, and is also being sued for smashing a guy’s phone after a failed beer bong attempt, amongst others.
Dienel, who records music under the name White Hinterland – alleges that Bieber’s track Sorry, co-written and recorded with Skrillex – copies material from her 2014 song Ring The Bell. The lawsuit specifically claims that Sorry duplicates “the specific and unique characteristics of the female vocal riff” from Hinterland’s composition.
Now Hinterland has addressed the lawsuit in a Facebook post. “The writers, producers, and performers of ‘Sorry’ did not obtain a license for this exploitation of my work, nor did they obtain or seek my permission,” she said.
“Creating original and unique music is my life’s passion, but it is challenging and time consuming. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into writing and producing ‘Ring the Bell’, and I am proud of the finished product.”
She goes on to outline her annoyance at how simple it would have been for Bieber to gain permission to use the vocal line in question, and that the lawsuit has only stemmed from the fact that his lawyers have completely ignored letters from her legal counsel. “Bieber could have licensed my song for use in ‘Sorry.’ But he chose not to contact me.”
Hinterland felt that as a result, she was left with little choice in the matter. “Justin Bieber is the world’s biggest artist, and I’m sure that he and his team will launch a full attack against me,” she said. “But, in the end, I was left with no other option. I believe I have an obligation to stand up for my music and art.”
Check out Hinterland’s song Ring The Bell, and Bieber’s Sorry – below.
UPDATE 28/06/16: Skrillex and Bieber have responded to claims they ripped off Sorry.
