Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' and Information Resources

Beyoncé's music video Formation (a song on the Lemonade album) ran into some copyright issues when Los Angeles-based filmmaker Chris Black publicly stated that the video used clips from a short film he produced without crediting him. It was a documentary about New Orleans bounce music called THAT B.E.A.T. Beyonce’s team stated that the material was properly licensed.

Chris Black told Mashable that he was contacted by a production company a week before the video was released and asked about use of the footage for an undisclosed artist's music video. The filmmakers don’t own the footage, however, as it was commissioned by Nokia and Sundance. However, Chris Black’s issue was that he was not properly credited for his work.

New Beyonce video used hella clips from the doc I produced and directed by @abteen ...but why?!?! https://t.co/RgWTUr1rtd

— Chris Black (@TheBlack) February 6, 2016

Filmmaker Matthew Fulks filed a lawsuit against Beyoncé  for copyright infringement:

• (2016, June 9). Associated Press. Filmmaker says Beyonce stole his ideas to make 'Lemonade.' Los Angeles Times.
• (2016, June 9). Taylor, J. Beyonce Reportedly Sued for 'Copied' Ideas in 'Lemonade' Trailer. Vibe.
• (2016, June 10). Rhodes, M. That Lawsuit Over Beyoncé's Lemonade? It's Probably Bunk. Wired.
• (2016, July 22). Kenneally, T. Beyonce Blasts Back in 'Lemonade' Copyright Lawsuit. The Wrap.
• (2016, Sept 1). Kenneally, T. Beyonce Triumphs in 'Lemonade' Copyright Lawsuit. The Wrap.
• (2016, Sept 1). Legaspi, A. Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Beyonce's 'Lemonade.' Rolling Stone.

The estate of Anthony Barre, known as Messy Mya, sued Beyoncé for using a sample of audio in Formation:

• Beyonce 'sued over Messy Mya sample' in Formation by Roisin O'Connor, February 8, 2017.

Resources on Copyright Available Through the Library: