Welcome to this week’s Legal Beat, where we bring you the latest updates on legal battles in the entertainment industry. This week, we have some exciting news for Michael Jackson’s estate, a copyright case against Snoop Dogg, and a cannabis battle for Melissa Etheridge. So let’s dive in and see what’s been happening in the world of entertainment law.
First up, a huge victory for Michael Jackson’s estate. The late King of Pop’s estate has won a copyright case against HBO over the documentary “Leaving Neverland”. The documentary, which aired in 2019, featured allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson. However, the estate argued that HBO breached a non-disparagement clause in a previous contract with Jackson by airing the documentary. The court agreed and ruled in favor of the estate, granting them a temporary restraining order against HBO. This is a major win for the estate and for Jackson’s legacy, as it sets a precedent for protecting artists’ rights even after their passing.
In another copyright case, rapper Snoop Dogg has been hit with a lawsuit by musician Robert Poindexter. Poindexter claims that Snoop Dogg’s 1993 hit “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None)” sampled his song “Bumpin’ Bus Stop” without permission. Poindexter is seeking damages and an injunction against Snoop Dogg. This case serves as a reminder to artists to always obtain proper clearance for samples used in their music.
Moving on to the world of cannabis, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge is facing a legal battle over her cannabis business, Etheridge Farms. The company, which produces cannabis-infused products, is being sued by a former business partner who claims that Etheridge breached their contract and misused funds. Etheridge has denied the allegations and is fighting back with a countersuit, stating that her former partner failed to fulfill their obligations and caused financial harm to the company. This case highlights the challenges faced by businesses in the rapidly growing cannabis industry.
In other legal news, actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the college admissions scandal. The couple, who pleaded guilty to paying $500,000 in bribes to secure their daughters’ admission to the University of Southern California, will serve two and five months in prison, respectively. This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and attempting to cheat the system will ultimately lead to consequences.
On a positive note, singer Taylor Swift has won a legal battle against a Utah theme park that used her music without permission. Swift’s team filed a lawsuit against Evermore Park for playing her songs during their performances without obtaining proper licenses. The park has now removed all of Swift’s music from their shows and has agreed to pay her an undisclosed amount in damages. This case highlights the importance of respecting artists’ rights and obtaining proper licenses for the use of their music.
In other legal news, actor Johnny Depp has lost his libel case against a British tabloid that referred to him as a “wife-beater”. The court ruled in favor of the tabloid, stating that their allegations were substantially true. Depp has been ordered to pay the tabloid’s legal fees, and his reputation has taken a hit. This case serves as a reminder that defamation laws are in place to protect individuals from false and damaging statements.
Finally, in a heartwarming legal battle, actress Angelina Jolie has been granted joint custody of her children with ex-husband Brad Pitt. The couple has been in a lengthy court battle over the custody of their six children, with Jolie initially seeking sole custody. However, the judge has now ruled that the children will spend equal time with both parents, and that Jolie must allow Pitt to have access to their phones and records. This is a positive outcome for the children, who have been caught in the middle of their parents’ divorce.
That’s all for this week’s Legal Beat. We hope you enjoyed catching up on the latest legal battles in the entertainment industry. Remember, it’s important for artists to protect their rights and for businesses to operate ethically. See you next week for more updates. Stay safe and stay legal!
