Report: Beyoncé Is Being Sued Over A Sample On “Formation”

The estate of deceased New Orleans YouTube personality Messy Mya says they attempted to contact Beyoncé’s camp about the sample and never heard back.

February 07, 2017
Report: Beyoncé Is Being Sued Over A Sample On “Formation” Beyoncé performs "Formation" during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, February 7, 2016, / Harry How / Getty Images

The estate of Messy Mya, a New Orleans YouTube personality who was shot and killed in 2010, is suing Beyoncé over a sample on "Formation," TMZ reports. Mya, real name Anthony Barré, is featured on the 2016 single along with New Orleans bounce star Big Freedia. Beyoncé's single samples audio clips of Barré's voice from his YouTube videos, including "Booking The Hoes From New Wildin" and "A 27-Piece Huh?"

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Barré's estate is claiming that the audio samples were used without permission and is seeking "more than $20,000,000 in back royalties and other damages.” The estate says they attempted to contact Beyoncé about the sample and never heard back.

A representative for Beyoncé was not immediately available for comment.

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Report: Beyoncé Is Being Sued Over A Sample On “Formation”