Rihanna at Center of Lawsuit Over Song in 'Smurfs' Movie
A song performed by Rihanna in the new 'Smurfs' film has sparked a lawsuit, with songwriter RØMANS alleging that Paramount Pictures failed to pay him for his work and is instead shifting the blame onto the pop star.Songwriter Claims Paramount Blamed Rihanna for Budget Overruns
According to the lawsuit filed by RØMANS, also known as Sam Romans, the studio used the track 'Anyone' in the 2025 film without compensating him. The songwriter claims that he was first approached about contributing to the film in 2022 but discussions eventually stalled. He alleges that he was later told the song would not receive a commercial soundtrack release, only to see it featured prominently in major scenes without his explicit permission or payment.
Paramount's Blame Game
The lawsuit claims that Paramount has made no meaningful effort to resolve the dispute and instead 'pointed its finger at Rihanna,' claiming outlandishly that she is to blame for Romans' lack of payment. The studio allegedly told RØMANS that it was 'very frustrated by the money it had supposedly spent on Rihanna's participation' and felt it had not gotten an appropriate return from her.
Romans' Attorney Speaks Out
RØMANS' attorney, Jonathan Steinsapir, described Paramount's actions as 'blame someone else.' He stated that the studio took a 'toddler-like approach,' shifting the blame onto Rihanna. The lawsuit claims that Paramount has brazenly infringed on RØMANS' copyrights by using his work without consent and payment.
The lawsuit highlights the complexities of creative rights and compensation in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Paramount responds to the allegations and whether Rihanna becomes embroiled in the dispute further. One thing is certain: RØMANS' claims have sparked a heated debate about accountability and fair compensation for artists in the music industry.
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