In a high-stakes legal battle shaking the music industry, Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Melvin "4Rest" Moore has filed a lawsuit against acclaimed singer Chlöe Bailey, Columbia Records, and Parkwood Entertainment. The lawsuit, filed on February 20, 2025, in a New York federal court, accuses the defendants of copyright infringement, fraudulent misrepresentation, and deceptive business practices concerning Bailey's 2024 album Trouble in Paradise.
The suit alleges that Moore was denied proper credit and compensation for his significant contributions to three tracks on the album: "Favorite," "Might As Well," and "Same Lingerie." Moore is seeking up to $150,000 per instance of willful infringement and punitive damages of $5 million per song, bringing the total claim to an estimated $15 million.
According to the lawsuit, Melvin Moore provided original lyrics, melodies, and creative direction for the disputed tracks. He claims his work was used without his permission or proper compensation. Moore alleges that despite his substantial contributions, no negotiations were made to formalize his role or financial compensation.
Moore further claims that Chlöe Bailey and her team registered the copyrights for the songs without acknowledging his authorship, effectively excluding him from any royalties or recognition. Describing the defendants as "modern-day swindlers," the lawsuit accuses them of deliberately misleading him about his involvement in the project.
Melvin Moore's lawsuit demands a series of remedies to address the alleged injustices. He is seeking:
Moore's attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, who has represented clients in other high-profile entertainment lawsuits, emphasized the broader implications of this case for the music industry. In a statement to Rolling Stone, Moore expressed his concerns about systemic exploitation within the industry, stating, "Many songwriters, producers, and artists are routinely underpaid and mistreated, their talent exploited under the false promise of opportunity. This cycle must end."
This case highlights ongoing controversies about the treatment of songwriters and producers, reigniting discussions about fair compensation and transparency in the music industry.
As of now, Chlöe Bailey, Columbia Records, and Parkwood Entertainment have not publicly responded to the allegations. Representatives for Bailey and the record labels have been approached for comments but remain silent amid the mounting public and legal scrutiny.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant legal precedent in the entertainment industry. If Moore's claims are upheld, it could prompt a reassessment of contractual practices, credit attribution, and royalty distribution, potentially reshaping industry standards for songwriters and producers.
This lawsuit not only challenges the practices of one of the industry's leading record labels but also underscores the necessity for ethical business dealings and respect for creative contributions. As the case unfolds, the music world will be watching closely, and the repercussions could resonate far beyond this individual dispute.
The case is set to proceed in federal court, and legal experts anticipate a lengthy and complex battle, given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the substantial financial claims involved.
This story is developing, and more details are expected as the legal proceedings advance. The lawsuit marks a significant moment in the fight for creative rights and could be a pivotal case in the ongoing battle for fairness in the music industry.