Copyright infringement just cost Kanye West big time. A jury ruled against him in a case tied to his Donda listening party, and honestly, the details are pretty interesting.
The lawsuit centered on an early version of “Hurricane” that Ye performed during a 2021 event at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Four musicians claimed the track included an uncleared sample of an instrumental composition they created in 2018. It’s the kind of copyright infringement case that highlights how important it is to clear your samples before you go live with them.
Here’s the thing—even though the sample was later removed from the official release of “Hurricane,” the plaintiffs still had a case. The listening event generated serious income through ticket sales, merchandise, and related promotions. That’s real money tied to the use of their work.
“There was no deal, no agreement, no license, and no clearance,” lawyer Irene Lee said during court proceedings. The jury agreed, awarding the musicians a six-figure payout.
Ye showed up in court to defend himself, saying, “I pride myself on giving people what they deserve.” But then he added: “As I sit in this courtroom today, I just think people are trying to make more than they otherwise would because it’s me.” That’s a tough look when you’re literally in trouble for not clearing someone’s work.
The four plaintiffs had also sought out additional money for the final commercial release of “Hurricane,” but that portion of the case was dismissed earlier this year.
A spokesperson for Ye responded to the ruling, calling the lawsuit a “failed shakedown.” That’s one way to spin a loss, but the jury clearly saw things differently.
This is Ye’s second legal loss this year. He’s also been ordered to pay $140,000 to a handyman who claimed he wasn’t compensated for work completed at the rapper’s Malibu mansion. It’s been a rough legal stretch.
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