Alice Merton Sues Kanye West Over Unauthorized Song Sample and Ethical Concerns

The lawsuit accuses West of sampling Merton's song 'Blindside' without permission, citing his antisemitic remarks as a key reason for her refusal to clear the sample.

Alice Merton filed a copyright infringement lawsuit on March 25, 2025, in California federal court, alleging Kanye West used an unauthorized sample of her song 'Blindside' in his track 'Gun to My Head.'
Merton denied West's request to clear the sample in March 2024, citing his antisemitic and racist remarks, which she said were contrary to her personal and ethical values as a descendant of Holocaust survivors.
The song 'Gun to My Head' was first previewed at a listening event in December 2023 and later released in August 2024 as part of the digital deluxe edition of West's 'Vultures 2' album, despite the denial of sample clearance.
Merton claims she faced threats and harassment from West's fans after refusing the sample clearance, which led her to fear for her safety and avoid touring in the United States.
The lawsuit also highlights West's history of copyright disputes and includes a request for injunctive relief and unspecified damages for copyright infringement and unfair competition.