This evening, news has broken on Israeli media outlets that the Universal Music Corporation is threatening the composers of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest winning song TOY with a lawsuit due to claims that TOY copies elements from Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Doron Medalie, who composed the song with Stav Beger, is to fly out to Los Angeles tomorrow to resolve the “crisis”.
“We were surprised to get this letter”
As explained by ynet.co.il, reports emerged today that the Universal Music Corporation sent a “warning letter” to TOY composers Doron Medalie and Stav Beger arguing that the Eurovision winner copies parts of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. The reports also reveal that a potential lawsuit will harm everyone involved in the project financially with song royalty earnings being put on hold until the case is heard.
While Beger has declined to comment, Medalie has made the following comment in regards to the reports. This statement has been translated from the original Hebrew text on ynet.co.il.
We were surprised to get a letter like this and we are taking care of it. I believe the issue will be resolved in the next two weeks for the best satisfaction of all parties.
“No fear” of disqualification
ynet.co.il also reveals that their sources tell them that the EBU has not yet contacted the 2019 Israeli Eurovision production team. Furthermore, the production team has said that they have “no fear” that Universal’s claims will threaten Israel’s right to host next year’s contest or lead to the disqualifcation of TOY from the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.
What do you think?
Potential similarities between Seven Nation Army and TOY were highlighted by Eurovision fans in the lead up to the contest in Lisbon, with various mash-ups of the two songs being uploaded to YouTube. Have a listen to one below!
Do you think that Universal have a case against Doron Medalie and Stav Beger? Let us know in the comments below!
If someone creates a mashup it doesnt mean that if it sound good that one of the song is copied.
Seven nation army was copied from the conflict
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3NSA1_bq1c