Kanye West is once again at the center of legal turmoil – this time, for allegedly sampling German singer-songwriter Alice Merton’s track Blindside without permission.
According to a lawsuit filed in a California federal court, West used the song in Gun to My Head, a track from the deluxe edition of Vultures 2, despite being explicitly denied clearance.
The lawsuit, first reviewed by Variety, claims Alice Merton rejected Kanye West’s request to use the track in early 2024, citing his history of antisemitic and racist statements. West’s team allegedly pushed back for a reason, and Merton responded that her refusal was rooted in her personal values – particularly given her family’s connection to Holocaust history.
Yet the sample appeared in Gun to My Head, which features Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Cudi, when West performed the song at a Vultures listening event in December 2023. Fans were stunned. Merton was “shocked and humiliated,” her complaint states, especially as the song was officially released months later.
Backlash and Fear for Safety
Merton’s rejection of the sample sparked a torrent of backlash from some West fans, who blamed her for the song’s delayed release. The singer says she feared for her safety and stopped performing Blindside live due to the threats and online harassment.
A cease-and-desist was reportedly sent to West’s team by BMG, Merton’s publisher – and ignored. Now, she is seeking legal action for damages and copyright infringement.
Not Kanye’s First IP Controversy
This isn’t the first time West has come under fire for unauthorized use of music. Ozzy Osbourne and Donna Summer’s estate have both recently taken legal action against the rapper for using their material without clearance. These mounting cases raise questions about the handling of intellectual property in an era of rapid-fire releases and decentralized music leaks.
While Gun to My Head has gained popularity among Vultures listeners, the controversy has sparked fresh debate around artistic boundaries, consent, and power in the music industry. Merton, known for her global hit No Roots, joins a growing number of artists pushing back against what many see as reckless sampling without respect for creators.
Kanye West has yet to respond to the lawsuit publicly.
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