Alice Merton Sues Kanye West Over Unauthorized Song Sample

German singer-songwriter Alice Merton has initiated legal action against Kanye West, accusing him of unauthorized sampling her ” Blindside ” track in his song “Gun to My Head.”

Alice Merton filed a lawsuit in federal court in California on Tuesday, escalating a dispute over copyright and artist integrity.

In the lawsuit, Merton claims that West used her vocals and the melody of “Blindside” without her consent, despite her clear refusal to allow the sample to be cleared. The controversial song, a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Cudi, prominently features Merton’s voice and melody.

Ye is being sued for copyright infringement by singer Alice Merton over a sample Ye used without permission on his 2024 song “Gun to My Head” featuring Ty Dolla Sign and Kid Cudi. Merton says she initially declined to clear the sample because of Ye’s recent sting of anti-Semitic… pic.twitter.com/j8EM3VAZEB

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) March 26, 2025

The legal challenge comes amidst a backdrop of West’s repeated antisemitic and racist remarks, which Merton cited as deeply conflicting with her values. She expressed distress over being associated with the West, particularly because of her heritage as a descendant of Holocaust survivors.

Alice Merton Kanye West Lawsuit

Merton described feeling “shocked and humiliated” upon hearing her voice in West’s December 2023 performance, which led to incorrect public speculation about her involvement. Her team rejected a belated clearance request from West’s representatives, further complicating the situation.

Kanye West Sued For Copyright Infringement By Alice Merton—Who Denied Sample Over Rapper’s Antisemitismhttps://t.co/Q9wfRNSqKv pic.twitter.com/5YDfDs5gno

— Forbes (@Forbes) March 26, 2025

Following her refusal, the dispute intensified. Merton faced backlash and threats from West’s fans after the song was initially omitted from his “Vultures 1” album but later included as a bonus track in “Vultures 2.”

Read: Kanye West Sparks Outrage Over Beyoncé, Jay-Z Kids Comments

This incident is not West’s first encounter with copyright infringement claims; the lawsuit references several prior cases, highlighting a pattern in West’s artistic practices. Merton reiterated her commitment to maintaining her ethical standards, opposing West’s public remarks and the values they represent.