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Drake is facing a new lawsuit alleging he used AI to replicate The Weeknd’s voice on a track without permission. The suit, filed by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), claims Drake and producer Metro Boomin unlawfully used an AI-generated voice mimicking Tesfaye on their song “circle of Friends.”
According to Billboard, the lawsuit asserts that Drake and Metro Boomin didn’t seek consent to use Tesfaye’s voice, violating his right of publicity.This isn’t just about sound-alikes; the suit argues the AI voice is a direct appropriation of Tesfaye’s unique vocal identity.
The Weeknd’s team believes the use of the AI voice creates the false impression of his endorsement or collaboration on the track. They’re seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of his voice.
This case is significant because it’s one of the first major legal battles addressing the use of AI in music. It raises crucial questions about copyright, intellectual property, and the rights of artists in the age of artificial intelligence. The lawsuit highlights the growing concern that AI could be used to exploit artists’ voices and likenesses without their consent.
Drake and Metro Boomin haven’t publicly commented on the lawsuit yet. Expect this case to draw a lot of attention as it moves through the courts, possibly setting a precedent for how AI-generated voices are handled in the music industry.