Grande's Music Hackers Face Expedited Discovery

Pop star Ariana Grande has secured an expedited discovery process in her ongoing lawsuit against individuals who unlawfully accessed and distributed her unreleased music and private photos. Court documents filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday confirmed the judicial approval.

Grande initiated the legal action in July, alleging that hackers targeted devices belonging to her inner circle. These unauthorized individuals reportedly stole unreleased songs, photographs, and other personal materials, subsequently offering them for sale on the dark web.

Her legal team sought an order for expedited third-party deposition subpoenas, bypassing the usual procedural delays. This request was prompted by the identification of specific online platforms and entities believed to be involved in the illegal dissemination and sale of Grande's stolen content.

In granting the request, Judge Mark H. Epstein noted the necessity of immediate action, stating, "it makes little sense to wait." The judge emphasized that Grande's inability to identify specific defendants, even with reasonable diligence, necessitates this accelerated discovery process.

The singer has reportedly been a victim of this hacking campaign for years. In 2023 alone, an estimated 45 of her unreleased songs were leaked online, including tracks titled "Fantasize," "That Bitch Is Mine," and "White Tee."