Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Eminem has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., accusing the tech giant of using his music without permission across Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Eminem sues meta and is seeking at least $150,000 in statutory damages per song, potentially totaling over $1 million.
According to The Independent, the suit brought by Eminem’s publishing company Eight Mile Style, alleges that Meta violated copyright laws by storing, reproducing, and distributing 243 songs without a valid license.
Eight Mile Style, based in Ferndale, Michigan, was founded by Eminem’s longtime collaborators, the Bass Brothers. The company holds the rights to Eminem’s music from 1995 to 2005, including material from The Slim Shady LP through Encore, albums that helped define the rapper’s career.
According to the complaint, Meta used Eminem’s music through its Reels Remix and Original Audio features, allowing users to add his songs including unauthorized instrumental and karaoke versions to their content.
Meta has previously removed some of Eminem’s songs, such as “Lose Yourself,” from its music library. Yet, other versions, like piano instrumentals and karaoke track reportedly remain accessible to users on Facebook and Instagram.
In a broader claim, Eight Mile Style is asking for no less than $109 million in total damages and a court order to stop Meta from continuing any copyright infringement involving Eminem’s catalog.
“Meta has committed copyright infringement for years against Eight Mile Style’s works,” the lawsuit states. “This is yet another example of a multibillion-dollar company exploiting artists’ creativity for the benefit of executives and shareholders, without proper authorization.”
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Meta, in response, denied the allegations. A company spokesperson said Meta has a global music licensing program and maintains partnerships with thousands of rights holders.
“We were actively engaged in good-faith negotiations with Eight Mile Style, but they chose to pursue legal action before discussions were concluded,” the statement read.
Eight Mile Style, however, claims Meta attempted to obtain a license through Audiam, a digital royalty firm that, according to the publisher, had no legal authority to grant rights to Eminem’s works.
(Raidi/Agung)
