John Legend: ‘Blurred Lines’ verdict may set scary precedent

AUSTIN, Texas — John Legend says he’s concerned that the “Blurred Lines” verdict could set a scary precedent for artists creating music inspired by others.

Legend told The Associated Press yesterday (March 21) that the song sounds like Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up”, but says “you have to be careful when it comes to copyrights, whether just sounding like or feeling like something is enough to say you violated their copyrights.”

Pharrell and Robin Thicke were ordered to pay nearly $7.4 million to three of Gaye’s children after a jury determined the performers copied elements of the Gaye’s 1977 hit.

Legend says he’s “a little concerned that this verdict might be a slippery slope”.

Legend is performing yesterday during South by Southwest in Austin at an event for AXE Collection. AP