Posted by Lil Nas X’s creative promotion for his debut album MONTERO may have landed him in some legal trouble.
According to The Blast, the Atlanta rapper stands accused of ripping off artist Dana Dentata’s Pantychirst album and artwork as a base for his own “Give Birth” video and pregnancy shoot, which sparked numerous reactions, mainly from Boosie Badazz.
In court documents obtained by The Blast, Dentata issued a cease and desist letter to Lil Nas X and his management team, claiming he used “copyrighted material” which is “essentially identical to the “Pantychrist” music video and clearly used the work as its basis.”
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Dentata cites the use of a sonogram she posted on Instagram to promote the single last year. Lil Nas X similarly used the concept to promote MONTERO, led by the singles “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow. Both spent time at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and combined have sold over 7 million copies.
The “Gives Birth” video has been viewed over 15 million times on YouTube, and Dentata is asking it to be pulled due to infringement. “Pantychrist,” which was added to the streaming platform in July 2021, has been viewed over 250,000 times.
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Dentata’s representation is seeking a settlement between both parties, and if one can’t be made, a lawsuit will be filed alleging copyright infringement.
“I demand that you immediately cease the use and distribution of all infringing works derived from the works, and all copies, including electronic copies, of same, that you deliver to me, if applicable, all unused, undistributed copies of same, or destroy such copies immediately and that you desist from this or any other infringement of her rights in the future,” the C & D states. “It is inconceivable that you would wish to jeopardize your artist’s public image, and reputation by your client falsely claiming he created this copyrighted content.”
Her lawyer, Perry C. Wander, slammed Lil Nas X in the name of his client, writing, “Lil Nas, desperate not to be a one-hit-wonder, swagger jacked my client’s music video story and stole her struggle sauce and artistic vision to avoid a sophomore slump. Dana is a genuine and authentic artist.”
Statistically and critically, the “Old Town Road” star defied expectations with MONTERO as he was nominated for Song, Record and Album of the Year at the 64th annual Grammy Awards scheduled to take place on April 3 in Las Vegas.