Audio Clip Leads to Lawsuit Against Beyoncé

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Beyonce performs at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)

Beyoncé is being sued for copyright after allegedly using the late rapper Messy Mya’s audio multiple times in her hit song “Formation” without permission. According to TMZ, the estate of Anthony Barre – known as Messy Mya – filed a suit against Beyoncé over her samples of his 2010 video ‘A 27 Piece Huh?’ in her song.

Barre’s estate claims Beyoncé used certain lines of his video in her song, then profiting off his work. They are seeking more than $20 million in back royalties and other damages. Sony records and Jay-Z entitles are also named in the suit.

Barre’s sister is seeking proper recognition as a writer, composer, producer, and performer for her brother, as well as financial compensation.

Barre’s estate holders have reached out to Beyoncé’s team, but haven’t heard anything back. Multiple news corporations such as TMZ have done the same, with no response.