Pharrell Williams Testifies In “Blurred Lines” Lawsuit
Pharrell Williams and his wife, Helen Lasichanh, were spotted in Los Angeles, California yesterday (March 5) for a not-so-happy situation that looks a little blurry.
The “Happy” singer, and fellow musicians, Robin Thicke and T.I., are being sued by the children of singer Marvin Gaye for using elements of Gaye’s song “Got to Give it Up” in the 2013 hit song “Blurred Lines.”
Although all three denied claims of copying Gaye’s song, the producer and singers agreed that they were “channeling… the late-70s feeling” when the song was written. However, Williams said Gaye’s work was not in his mind when he wrote the song, but admitted he later recognized the likeness between both songs.
“Sometimes when you look back on your past work, you see echoes of people, but that doesn’t mean that’s what you were doing,” Williams testified.
“The last thing you want to do as a creator is take something of someone else’s when you love him,” he added, expressing his admiration for Gaye. “I respect his music beyond words.”
T.I., whose rap was added after the song was recorded in mid-2012, did not testify at the trial when it started Feb. 24.
“Blurred Lines” was the biggest hit of 2013, earning $16,675,690 in profits, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
The jury began deliberations yesterday and will resume Friday (March 6).
(Photo by David Buchan/Getty Images)
