French Montana now has to answer for an old track of his, as a singer-songwriter hit him with a copyright lawsuit. Moreover, Skylar Gudasz claimed that her 2020 track "Femme Fatal" prominently contributes to the rapper's 2022 cut "Blue Chills." In fact, Gudasz expressed in her legal action that he and his team could've avoided the whole situation if things went according to plan. Apparently French's team offered her upfront fees and continuous revenue for the sample, which consisted of a 50% share of copyright for publishing. However, Gudasz alleged that the song dropped anyway, despite this deal never coming to a close.
"Despite repeated promises from [French Montana's team]... no signed agreement, fees, royalties, licensing agreements or monies have ever been sent to plaintiff," her lawyers stated in the filing. In addition, it explained the circumstances behind their almost-finalized collaboration. Furthermore, industry executive Deborah Mannis-Gardner, known for her sample clearances, approached Gudasz in May of 2022. Specifically, they negotiated the aforementioned agreement to include over $7,000 in upfront fees and a .08% cut from master royalties.
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Also, it had a half share of the composition copyright, along with half of the publishing rights. When Gudasz reached out about the release of "Blue Chills" with no final deal, Mannis-Gardner allegedly wrote "Oh jeez" in her response email. "DMG continued to maintain there would be a final agreement, sent emails finalizing the licensing agreement and requested invoices from plaintiff, which plaintiff timely sent … and even sent plaintiff a congratulatory email," the lawsuit continued. Not only that, but French Montana seemingly congratulated Gudasz via Instagram comments and spoke about her role on the track on Apple Music's Rap Life Radio.
Meanwhile, amid his massive success, Gudasz wants this remedied as soon as possible. "The unauthorized and infringing use by defendants of the song ‘Femme Fatale’ has caused irreparable harm, damage and injury," her lawyers maintained. "Plaintiff has been deprived of the rightful experience of benefitting and enjoying the fruits of her labor." For more news and the latest updates on French Montana, come back to HNHH.
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