The Legal Beat is a weekly music law newsletter from Billboard Pro that provides insights into significant lawsuits and legal decisions impacting the music industry. This week, notable topics include the fate of TikTok, a restraining order involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, and a copyright lawsuit concerning Travis Scott and SZA.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on TikTok’s future, which raises concerns for the music industry, as the platform plays a crucial role in promoting artists. The court’s justices have suggested that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, must either sell the app to a U.S. company or face a ban. Arguments during the hearings revealed that justices are more focused on national security risks attributed to the app, potentially overshadowing First Amendment concerns raised by user groups. There is skepticism about TikTok’s likelihood of prevailing in the lawsuit, with some legal experts forecasting a unanimous defeat.
With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok has become integral to music promotion and artist discovery, making the possibility of its disappearance troubling for record labels and the wider music community. There are fears of how the industry would adapt if the app were to cease operations, particularly given its significance in live event marketing and artist promotion.
In other news, Megan Thee Stallion has obtained a new civil restraining order against Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a ten-year sentence for shooting her in 2020. Megan expressed deep concerns for her safety, indicating that she continues to feel harassed by Lanez even while he is incarcerated.
Additionally, Travis Scott and SZA are facing a copyright lawsuit over their song “Telekinesis,” accused of using elements from a track by Victory Boyd. In related legal battles, K-hip-hop star Jay Park seeks to expose anonymous individuals linked to defamatory statements and YoungBoy Never Broke Again is set to be released from prison earlier than expected.
The newsletter also details ongoing legal disputes, including Cardi B’s efforts to collect a libel judgment against blogger Tasha K, alongside other high-profile cases within the music industry, emphasizing the complex intertwining of music and legal matters.