Lizzo Reaches Settlement in Copyright Case Tied to Unreleased Song
The track referenced Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign
A copyright lawsuit involving Lizzo and an unreleased song snippet she posted to social media has been settled.
Backstory:
Last summer Lizzo posted a snippet of an unreleased song to TikTok and Instagram.
It gained attention because the line “Bitch, I got good jeans like I’m Sydney” referenced actor Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign.
In October, Georgia-based revocable trust The GRC Trust filed a lawsuit alleging that the song sampled 1970 track “Win Or Lose (We Tried)” by soul singer/songwriter Sam Dees without permission.
Settlement:
As per Music Business Worldwide, a notice of settlement was filed in federal court in California on Friday January 9.
The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, though it’s worth noting that The GRC Trust was seeking an injunction preventing further use of the song, along with damages plus attorney fees and costs.
A copyright lawsuit involving Lizzo and an unreleased song snippet she posted to social media has been settled.
Backstory:
Last summer Lizzo posted a snippet of an unreleased song to TikTok and Instagram.
It gained attention because the line “Bitch, I got good jeans like I’m Sydney” referenced actor Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign.
In October, Georgia-based revocable trust The GRC Trust filed a lawsuit alleging that the song sampled 1970 track “Win Or Lose (We Tried)” by soul singer/songwriter Sam Dees without permission.
Settlement:
As per Music Business Worldwide, a notice of settlement was filed in federal court in California on Friday January 9.
The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, though it’s worth noting that The GRC Trust was seeking an injunction preventing further use of the song, along with damages plus attorney fees and costs.
A copyright lawsuit involving Lizzo and an unreleased song snippet she posted to social media has been settled.
Backstory:
Last summer Lizzo posted a snippet of an unreleased song to TikTok and Instagram.
It gained attention because the line “Bitch, I got good jeans like I’m Sydney” referenced actor Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign.
In October, Georgia-based revocable trust The GRC Trust filed a lawsuit alleging that the song sampled 1970 track “Win Or Lose (We Tried)” by soul singer/songwriter Sam Dees without permission.
Settlement:
As per Music Business Worldwide, a notice of settlement was filed in federal court in California on Friday January 9.
The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, though it’s worth noting that The GRC Trust was seeking an injunction preventing further use of the song, along with damages plus attorney fees and costs.
Lizzo
TikTok
Sydney Sweeney
American Eagle
The GRC Trust
Sam Dees
Music Copyright Litigation
Artist Lawsuits and Legal Battles
High-Profile Artist Litigation
Copyright Claims On Unreleased Music
Industry Litigation
Copyright Infringement
Litigation
Settlement Agreements
Uncleared Sample
Legal Disputes
Legal & Litigation
United States
Los Angeles, US
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Music Business Worldwide.
We covered it because it’s an update on Lizzo’s copyright case.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles
Policy & Legal
Feb 6, 2026
1 min read
LabelWorx Launches Publishing Division
Artists and labels can opt in on a per-track basis
Policy & Legal
Feb 6, 2026
1 min read
New California Bill Aims to Cap Ticket Resale Prices
Tickets could be resold for no more than 10% above face value
Policy & Legal
Feb 5, 2026
1 min read
Martin Shkreli in Legal Battle Over Wu-Tang Clan LP Copyrights
The pharma exec is claiming ownership of the ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ rights
LabelWorx Launches Publishing Division
Artists and labels can opt in on a per-track basis
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 6, 2026
New California Bill Aims to Cap Ticket Resale Prices
Tickets could be resold for no more than 10% above face value
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 6, 2026
Martin Shkreli in Legal Battle Over Wu-Tang Clan LP Copyrights
The pharma exec is claiming ownership of the ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ rights
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 5, 2026
Live Nation to Acquire Italy’s ForumNet Group
The concert giant plans significant upgrades to the Unipol Forum venue
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 4, 2026
Ticketmaster to be Fined Over BTS Ticket Sales in Mexico
Consumers complained about issues with the presale and general sale
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 4, 2026
NIVA Slams Live Nation Expansion, Proposed Demolition of Indie Venue
Milwaukee’s Miller High Life Theatre is at risk
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 3, 2026
