Published • loading... • Updated
Songwriters file copyright suit against HYBE over BTS hit ‘SWIM’, alleging it copied their demo
The plaintiffs say an expert found significant similarities and ruled out independent creation, while they seek damages, an injunction and profits from the track.
- On Wednesday, July 8, three Los Angeles songwriters—Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Graylin Johnson—filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that BTS' single 'SWIM' copies a demo they wrote in early 2025.
- According to the complaint, plaintiffs shared their demo with Artist Publishing Group and ATG Group, whose representatives allegedly distributed the recording to songwriters including Derrick Milano, a credited co-writer on the BTS track.
- Musicologist Alexander Stewart reported that versions of both songs 'contain significant similarities' in hooks, harmonies, and textures, concluding that independent creation of the BTS version 'can be ruled out.'
- BigHit Music rejected the allegations on Friday, telling Xportsnews the 'lawsuit contains only the plaintiffs' unilateral claims' and maintaining that 'SWIM' is an independent, original work.
- The complaint marks the third U.S. copyright lawsuit against HYBE in two months, following previous legal actions involving NewJeans over their 2024 single 'How Sweet' and 2023 track 'ETA.
Insights by Ground AI
17 Articles
17 Articles
Songwriters sue South Korean entertainment giant Hybe, say BTS song ‘Swim’ copied their demo
Three songwriters filed a copyright lawsuit against South Korean entertainment giant Hybe, saying the K-pop supergroup BTS' chart-topping single "Swim" was lifted from their unpublished demo with the same name.
·United States
Read Full Article
BTS agency strongly denies ‘Swim’ plagiarism claims, to take legal action after US songwriters file copyright lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed by Steve Cooper, John Sandler and Greylyn Johnson, who claim BTS' chart-topping single is similar to their own unreleased demo.
·New Delhi, India
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 27%
R 27%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
