Lizzo Ends ‘Truth Hurts’ Legal Battle On a High Note

Lizzo’s ‘Truth Hurts’ has been caught up in legal entanglements for a while now. But, 2020 proves to be successful for the singer as the lawsuit against the track has officially been dismissed. Lizzo first filed a lawsuit against brothers Justin and Jeremiah Raisen back in October of 2019. 

The suit came amid claims from the brother that they helped Lizzo co-write the smash hit single, ‘Truth Hurts’. Further, they claimed that the track is a “derivative” of their 2017 song, ‘Healthy’. And, as a result, they claimed that they were entitled to a part of the profits earned from the song. So, when Lizzo filed a lawsuit against them dismissing their claims, the brothers hit back with a countersuit. It suggested that they were in fact present at the songwriting session where many lyrics for the song were determined. 

In addition, they claimed that the ‘Truth Hurts’ singer did not give them the songwriting credits they deserved. And, in a game of he said-she said, Lizzo maintains that the only line to come out of the session was the iconic “I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100% that bitch”. Further, that line was a direct quote from songwriter Mina Lioness (who is credited on the songwriting). 

Lizzo Wins Legal Battle

Cut to 2020, and the lawsuit against ‘Truth Hurts’ has been dismissed. The ruling judge stated that: “Joint author of one copyrightable work does not automatically gain ownership of a derivative work.” Further, they stated even if the track was a “derivative” of the brothers’ previously stated 2017 track, ‘Healthy’, they are not directly entitled to any profits from the song in question.

‘Turth Hurts’, which was released back in 2017 shot to fame following its viral use online, in short format videos. Further, in 2020, it went on to win the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

By: Ahalya Narayanan