Justin Bieber flaunts whiskers. Photo courtesy of Us Weekly.
Summary: Justin Bieber and Usher have been ordered to give a deposition later this month in regards to a plagiarism case for their song “Somebody to Love.”
Justin Bieber, 22, can’t charm his way out of trouble. Radar Online reports that the pop star and his mentor, Usher, 37, have been ordered to give depositions in the lawsuit brought on by a lesser-known artist who claims they plagiarized his song.
TMZ reports that last June, musician Devin Copeland (also known as De Rico) and his writing partner Mareio Overton filed a lawsuit in Virginia Beach, alleging Bieber’s 2010 hit “Somebody to Love” sounded eerily similar to his song of the same name. After initially being thrown out, an appeals judge ruled that the chorus was similar enough that a “reasonable jury” would come to the same conclusion.
The songs are below, and besides the use of the phrase “Somebody to Love” it’s hard to side with the appeals court, no matter how much one may dislike the former bad boy Biebs.
According to The Daily Mail, Bieber skipped out on the two previous depositions. The first time, he claimed he needed to save his voice, and the court agreed to accommodate him. They rescheduled the deposition for April 14, but he flaked, not even providing a reason.
Radar Online reports that the two celebrities are now due April 29 to answer questions related to Copeland’s allegations.
Bieber and Usher maintain their innocence, and a jury will rule later if Team Bieber are plagiarists or not. Copeland is seeking $10 million in damages.
Source: Radar Online