Chart-topping US rapper Eminem is suing the National Party for allegedly using his track Lose Yourself in its campaign ads without permission. But the National Party is flatly rejecting the allegation.
Detroit-based Eminem Publishers said in a statement Tuesday it had started court proceedings in New Zealand. "The proceedings stem from allegations that unauthorised use has been made of Eminem's Grammy and Academy Award winning song, Lose Yourself, in election campaign advertising run by the National Party," the statement said.
Lawyer Garry Williams told media, it was the owners of the song, not Eminem, taking the action.
The National Party confirmed it had received a complaint but completely rejected the allegation. The party's campaign manager Steven Joyce said they had gone through all the necessary licensing procedures. General elections in New Zealand are scheduled to be held Sep 20.
This is not the first time Eminem has launched legal action over copyright infringement. In 2004 he sued Apple for using an Eminem song in one of its television commercials without permission.