Jul 22, 2016
This week, the internet exploded after Kim Kardashian released footage of a recorded conversation between Kanye West and Taylor Swift showing that Swift had approved West's use of her name in his recent song 'Famous.' When West released the audio version 'Famous' in February 2016, Swift publicly distanced herself from the song, said she found the song offensive and misogynistic. The footage, however, seemed to paint a different picture.
In response to Kim's release, Swift issued a statement saying she did not agree to the use of the line "that b*tch" towards her. She also opposed to the recording of her conversation and that she never gave consent. In California, where the incident took place, it is a crime to record a private telephone conversation without the consent of ALL parties.
In this 82nd episode of The Africa Music Law Show, Ms. Uduak, host, provides legal commentary on the two key issues raised from this brouhaha:
- Can Kanye West legally use Taylor Swift’s name in his song ‘Famous’ without her permission?
- Can Kanye West legally record the conversation he had with Taylor Swift about ‘Famous’ without Taylor’s permission?