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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
There's more to the Des'Ree vs. Beyonce Copyright Infringement story we reported on last week.
Over the weekend, the former Destiny's Child frontwoman's management issued a statement in response to "Erroneous Media Reports Regarding B'Day Deluxe Edition."
"Unfortunately, there were some misunderstandings regarding whether Des'ree's song 'Kissing You' was cleared for release in the United States,' offered publicist Priscilla Clarke.
And if that's not enough, one of the diva's attorneys entered the fray.
"First and foremost we'd like to point out that as an artist, Beyoncé is not in any way involved in the process of obtaining clearances to re-record and release songs," said Hank Fasthoff.
Clarke mandates that obtaining clearances is customarily handled by management, the attorneys and/or the label.
"However, until this clearance situation is resolved, future distributions of the album/DVD in the United States will not include 'Still In Love (Kissing You).' The international market is not affected in any way because the song is not included on albums shipped outside of the United States."
Oh okay.
So the United States version of the Deluxe Edition that originally featured the song is no longer on the shelves. Instead, a new version -- without the song --- is now available.
We are crystal clear now.
We hope.
Comments: (35)
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By: Inspire on 4/30/2007 12:15PM
This is interesting considering the fact that Beyonce has mentioned in several interviews that she is involved in all aspects of her business. Also, she mentioned that she takes one hour out of her week to discuss business because she desires to have a life outside of the business. Well, I understand her reasoning and do agree with her however to prevent problems such as these from happening in the future maybe she should spend a little more time communicating with the people who are handling her business since it is her name and business reputation on the line.
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By: mrscree1 on 4/30/2007 8:39PM
I feel a whitewash coming on. I guarantee you, this whole thing will be swept under the rug, and poor Des'Ree will not be compensated fairly. Based on what's been generated thus far, I do feel that Beyonce` (or her team for lack of a better word) did steal Des'rees' song.
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By: MsBrown on 4/30/2007 11:14PM
From my understanding, when someone wants to utilize your song, beat, etc...they pay you fee upfront; as well as a certain percentage of sales later on down the line. So believe me, Des'Ree got some money up front...yet she screwed her future earnings. At this point and time, they can decide not to use the song and leave it at that. It will not be a complete loss for Beyonce'; it will not be helpful for Des'Ree. I still agree that this should have been handled in-house. There was no need to bring all of this to the forefront...unless Des'Ree was looking to get her name back and face, back into the spotlight.
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By: Miss Phillips on 4/30/2007 11:47PM
Kudos from the GIANT
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By: Cee Cee on 5/01/2007 12:32AM
The whole thing was probably was just mishandeled management,it happens.I'm sure that they have it resolved...
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By: MissPYT on 5/02/2007 1:25PM
I agree that it is her reputation on the line and not her management's or lawyers as far as the public is concerned. She titled herself as primary songwriter on her album sleeve and I'm sure she okay'd at least that part of the process.
I don't know much about copyright laws but it seems to me she only did to Des'ree what she did to 3 other songs on that album. Resentment, Listen and Irreplaceable - she added 4 words to the end of one song, contributed a minor part to the second (recall Oscars?) and NeYo wrote the last song - yet Beyonce billed herself as primary songwriter on all of those songs.
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By: Audrey on 5/02/2007 11:13AM
I think that she got a payday up front, but is trying to cash-in on bigger bucks. She need to enjoy her 15-minutes of fame, let it rise to a higher level, sit back, relax and enjoy the glory. Greed will not prosper, it will only chase everyone in a diffent direction.
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By: Heather on 5/03/2007 9:59AM
Working in this business I can tell you that the upfront payment is only the first part of the rights to usage question. Depending on who you are and where you are in the business your can apply any type of stipulations on the usage of your copyrighted material. Now they may have paid her upfront for the right to use the song, but apparantly there were other clauses within the usage contract that were not adhered to. As we all know, don't sign or agree to anything without reading the contract. It looks like someone overlooked the key distribution details (probably not Beyonce, but she should spend more than 1 HOUR a week handling her business; I only have my personal bills to pay and spend more than 1 HOUR ... but I digress)and now they are having to deal with the consequences. Do not blame Des'ree for greed etc. when that is not the issue if she is not being compensated according to the contractual agreement that she signed in order to allow someone to use her intellectual property. Just because Beyonce is popular does not mean that everyone else is greedy because they want to follow the law. 'Nough said.
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By: ladytash07 on 5/03/2007 6:21PM
i never heard the song, but if des'ree put it out, most likely it was good. good enough for beyonce' to pick up. the sad thing is des'ree will not make the optimal amount of $$$ now beyonce's version is no longer out. this would be a prime oppurtunity to make lemonade. remember erkah badu sung what should have been jill scott's part in "you've got me". now jill is a household name. ewen though des'ree is a talent and has been singing since b was still suckin similac, she has still not made it real big in the u.s. because we are more into looks than talent. but des'ree could have expanded upon her name and maybe start some songwriting. hopefully it will work out because things like this are common in the music business.
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By: Gwen on 5/03/2007 5:12PM
It is asinine to think that Beyonce could be involved in every single detail of her business. That's what she pays the managers and lawyers to do. Folks always want to have drama! The dispute is not between the artists. Frankly,if Des'Ree is angry with B, there must be something else going on. Des'Ree should be happy for the publicity.
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