The writers of the Israeli winning hit “Toy,” performed by Netta Barzilai in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, threatened with copyright infringement by Universal Music Group, According to a report on Keshet TV.
The songwriters Doron Medalie and Stav Beger received a letter two weeks ago from Universal claiming with plagiarism. The United States biggest music labels claiming that Toy was copied from The White Stripe’s similarly bassy 2003 hit, ‘Seven Nation Army’.
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The report said that Universal charging that the similarities in rhythm and harmony constitute copyright infringement.
A copy? Listen and judge for yourself:
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Producer Doron Medalie told Haaretz that he cannot respond due to the legal nature of the matter. But Barzilai’s manager, Ofer Menahem, said: “No legal claim was received, only a preliminary clarification letter on the matter.”
The Eurovision rules state that the songs entries must be original. If Universal’s claims are proven in court, Barzilai could be disqualified and Israel will be stripped of its victory and hosting rights for next year’s contest.
