Popular social media site Facebook is under fire from one of the biggest names in hip-hop. Eminem and his publishing company, Eight Mile Style LLC have filed a lawsuit against Facebook for what is being described as the unlawful use of the Em and D12 song “Under The Influence.” Facebook posted an ad for their new Facebook Home app which featured music that is believed to be “Under the Influence.” The ad, created by Wieden + Kennedy, was subsequently altered and the song was removed.
But according to Eight Mile Style’s lawsuit, altering of the clip proves that Facebook and Wieden + Kennedy knew that the song’s use constituted infringement.
“The alteration of the airplane advertisement was an admission that Facebook knew it had infringed on the Eminem/D12 composition,” states the lawsuit.
In an added twist, it is believed that Wieden + Kennedy reached out to superproducer Dr. Dre to gain approval for using the song. The problem with that is Dr. Dre didn’t produce this particular song.
“Counsel falsely and wrongfully alleged that Andre Young, professionally known as Dr. Dre, composed ‘Under the Influence,’” reads the lawsuit. “Yet, a simple Internet search of the Eminem/D12 Composition would have revealed that ‘Under the Influence’ was composed by Marshall Mathers, III, and members of D12, including Denaun Porter, Von Carlisle, Ondre Moore, R. Arthur Johnson, and DeShaun Holton. Dr. Dre likewise, did not produce ‘Under the Influence.’”
Eminem and Eight Mile Style are seeking $150,000 per infringement.
