Press Release: The 100 Percenters Stand with Songwriter Melvin “4Rest” Moore in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Chloe Bailey, Columbia Records, Parkwood Entertainment, and Sony Music Entertainment (For Immediate Release)

The lawsuit seeks damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief for:

• Copyright Infringement (Unauthorized use and commercial exploitation of Moore's original works)

• Fraudulent Misrepresentation (Falsely registering the songs under Defendants' names despite knowledge of Moore's contributions)

• Unjust Enrichment (Profiting from Moore's work without compensating him)

• Civil Conspiracy (Fraud & Copyright Infringement) (Coordinated effort to misrepresent ownership and financially benefit from the works)

• Violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) (Ignoring takedown notices and continuing unauthorized distribution)

 

Moore contributed substantial original lyrics, melodies, and creative direction to the songs "Same Lingerie," "Might As Well," and "Favorite," which were commercially released on Bailey's album Trouble in Paradise without his consent, an agreement, or compensation. The complaint details that:

 

• Defendants knowingly misappropriated Moore's work, falsely registered the songs under their names, and released them without securing his permission.

• Moore issued cease-and-desist notices and DMCA takedown requests, which were ignored while the songs continued to be promoted and monetized on streaming platforms and social media.

• Defendants engaged in deceptive business practices, failing to engage in good-faith negotiations and fraudulently misrepresenting ownership of the works.

 

"This case is an undeniable example of the systemic exploitation songwriters face in the music industry," said Tiffany Red, founder of The 100 Percenters. "There are no songs without songwriters—yet time and again, their work is taken, recorded, and released without their consent, without contracts, and without compensation. This isn't just about one lawsuit; it's about an industry standard that the music industry has refused to evolve that is destroying the livelihood of many professional songwriters. We stand with 4Rest in his fight for justice, equity, and accountability."

 

Tiffany Morgan, Esq., Moore's attorney, emphasized the broader implications of this lawsuit, stating:

 

"I hope this lawsuit serves as a powerful message to all underpaid and under appreciated creators: you have the right to protect your intellectual property from commercial exploitation without your consent. It is a reminder that there are advocates working tirelessly on your behalf to challenge the outdated practices that deny creators, like songwriters, the opportunity to earn a fair, livable wage. Meanwhile, those who profit from their work are reaping substantial rewards. Without songwriters, there would be no music—and it's time for the music industry to reflect this truth by implementing fair practices that ensure creators are properly compensated for their contributions."

 

The 100 Percenters remain committed to advocating for transparency, fairness, and the protection of songwriters' rights.

 

For more details, read the full complaint [Link].

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Maria Lyons

Managing Director

The 100 Percenters

Maria@the100percenters.com

 

About The 100 Percenters

Founded in July 2020, The 100 Percenters is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fiercely advocating for the rights of music creators. We focus on elevating songwriters—the most marginalized contributors to a song—who often grapple with unfair compensation, inequitable ownership splits, and power imbalances that hinder their ability to negotiate fair terms with record labels, artists, and even the producers they collaborate with.

​

We serve all creatives while focusing on empowering BIPOC and marginalized music creators through advocacy, grants, programs, and education. We aim to ensure fair compensation, equal opportunities, and sustainable careers. We are committed to championing systemic change by driving transparency, accountability, and equity within the music industry.

​

At The 100 Percenters, we are reshaping the music business to honor and protect the creators who power it.