Kanye West Sued for Copyright Infringement Over Alice Merton Sample in ‘Gun to My Head’

March 27, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA — Kanye West is facing fresh legal trouble in 2025. The controversial rapper and producer has been sued for copyright infringement by German singer-songwriter Alice Merton, who claims he illegally sampled her 2022 hit "Blindside" in his unreleased track “Gun to My Head.”

The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, alleges that West used the sample without permission, despite being explicitly denied clearance earlier this year.

Alice Merton Denied Kanye West’s Request to Sample ‘Blindside’

According to court filings, West’s legal team reached out in February 2025 to obtain rights to use the “Blindside” sample in "Gun to My Head," which was previewed at a December 2023 Miami listening event.

Merton and her co-rights holders rejected the request. In a public statement, Merton said she refused based on West’s history of antisemitic remarks, which she found personally offensive due to her family's Jewish heritage and Holocaust connections.

“I could not allow my work to be associated with someone who promotes hate,” Merton said.

Harassment From Kanye West Fans After Sample Rejection

Following her refusal, Merton reported receiving online threats and harassment from West’s fanbase. She has since increased security and stated in the lawsuit that the backlash caused fear for her safety and well-being.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, a permanent injunction, and a trial by jury to prevent further unauthorized use or distribution of the track.

Kanye West with daughter North

Kanye West’s History of Copyright Lawsuits and Unauthorized Sampling

This isn’t Kanye West’s first run-in with copyright law:

• In February 2024, the estate of Donna Summer filed a lawsuit over West’s interpolation of her 1977 classic “I Feel Love” in his track “Good (Don’t Die).” The estate had previously denied permission due to West’s controversial behavior.
  The case was settled in mid-2024, and the track was pulled from circulation.

• In July 2024, Artist Revenue Advocates filed suit claiming West used parts of the song “MSD PT2” in “Hurricane” and “Moon” without authorization. The case remains unresolved.

These lawsuits highlight an ongoing pattern of unauthorized music sampling tied to West's work in recent years.

What’s Next for Kanye West in 2025?

Legal experts say this latest lawsuit could carry significant consequences if the court finds that West acted willfully or maliciously. Repeated copyright claims can lead to hefty financial penalties and damage an artist’s reputation—something Kanye has already been struggling with in the wake of several public controversies.

As of now, Kanye West has not issued any public statement regarding the lawsuit.