Kanye West’s controversial antics have landed him in hot water once again, as German singer Alice Merton is suing the rapper for allegedly using her song “Blindside” without permission.
The lawsuit, filed on March 25, claims West illegally sampled Merton’s track in his unreleased song “Gun to My Head,” which he debuted at his Miami Vultures event in December 2023.
The German singer, along with two German companies, MERTON & GRAUWINKEL GMBH and PAPER PLANE PUBLISHING GMBH, assert that West used the song without approval, despite a formal rejection from Merton’s team. West allegedly made an initial request to BMG to clear the sample, but it was swiftly denied in March.
The reason for the refusal? “The artist’s values are contrary to our values,” according to the lawsuit, which further mentions Merton’s deep personal connection to the Holocaust through Jewish family members. The plaintiff also expresses significant concern over West’s highly publicized antisemitic remarks, which have continued to spark controversy.
As tensions rose, Merton found herself at the center of online abuse, with fans of the rapper threatening her for not clearing the sample. The harassment became so severe that Merton reportedly feared for her safety and future tour dates in the U.S. A formal cease-and-desist letter was sent to West in August 2024, but it was allegedly ignored.
Merton and the corporations are now seeking “injunctive relief and damages” for the infringement, along with a trial by jury for the claims. This lawsuit comes after a string of public controversies involving the rapper’s antisemitic outbursts, including being dropped by his talent agency in February 2024.
West’s Yeezy website was also shut down after the rapper sold a controversial swastika T-shirt, further adding to his already tarnished reputation.
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