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Singer Refused Ye Sample Due to Antisemitism
14 Nov
Summary
- Alice Merton sued Kanye West for unauthorized song sample.
- Merton cited Ye's antisemitic remarks as reason for refusal.
- Federal judge dismissed the copyright suit after settlement.
A copyright infringement lawsuit filed by German singer-songwriter Alice Merton against Kanye West has been dismissed by a federal judge. The dismissal came after both parties reached a settlement. Merton had accused West, also known as Ye, of sampling her song 'Blindside' for his track 'Gun to My Head' without her authorization.
Merton, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, stated she would never permit West to sample her music because of his history of antisemitic remarks. She filed the lawsuit last year, expressing shock when reports surfaced suggesting she had collaborated on his song. The settlement terms were not revealed in the court order.
West had teased 'Gun to My Head' in late 2023, a collaboration with Kid Cudi. Merton alleged that West's team attempted to clear the sample in February 2024, but she denied the request, citing a conflict in values. Although the song did not initially appear on the 'Vultures 2' album released in August 2024, it was briefly available on a digital deluxe version and circulated in bootlegged copies.
