Why is Drew Barrymore being sued?

Drew Barrymore is being sued for allegedly using a copyrighted song in an Instagram advertisement without obtaining the proper license.

What song was allegedly used without permission in Drew Barrymore's ad?

The song allegedly used without permission is 'You Make Me Happy (Acoustic)' by My Sun and Stars.

Is this lawsuit against Drew Barrymore related to other social media music lawsuits?

Yes, this lawsuit is part of a growing trend of legal actions against brands for using unlicensed music in social media advertisements.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Barrymore Sued Over Unlicensed Song in Ad

Barrymore Sued Over Unlicensed Song in Ad

16 Jan

•

Summary

Drew Barrymore is accused of using a copyrighted song in an Instagram ad.
The song 'You Make Me Happy' was allegedly used without proper licensing.
This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of copyright claims over social media ads.

Barrymore Sued Over Unlicensed Song in Ad

Actress and host Drew Barrymore is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit. The legal action, filed on January 15, 2026, centers on a promotional video posted to Instagram in March 2025. Barrymore is accused of using the song "You Make Me Happy (Acoustic)" by My Sun and Stars without obtaining the required license.

The lawsuit, initiated by Instnct Gmbh, which claims ownership of the song's rights, asserts that Barrymore's company never secured permission to use the music. The plaintiff argues that the video was a clear advertisement for Barrymore's Flower Beauty hair tools and that the song was synchronized to it without authorization.

This case is indicative of a broader trend where companies are increasingly being sued over the unauthorized use of copyrighted music in social media advertisements. Despite platforms like Instagram and TikTok offering licensed music libraries for personal use, commercial applications necessitate separate synchronization licenses, a distinction that has led to numerous legal battles.