Katy Perry
Picture by: SplashNews.com Famous singer Katy Perry has been ordered to pay a Christian rapper thousands after a judge ruled that she copied elements of his song. Gospel artist Flame – real name Marcus Gray – sued the 34-year-old popstar after he successfully showed the court that her 2013 hit ‘Dark Horse’ was based on his song ‘Joyful Noise’.
The US rapper, who has a masters degree in biblical counselling, was awarded €2.7 million (€2.4m) with her record label, Capitol Records, taking the brunt of the bill. Ms Perry has also been ordered to fork out $550,000 (€490,000) from her own pocket.
The nine-person jury agreed that her song copied the underlying beat of the rapper’s single, with the verdict bringing an end to the copyright battle that began in 2014.
The singer – renowned for songs such as ‘California Gurls’ and ‘Roar’ – described the ruling as a “travesty of justice” and it is understood that her lawyers will be lodging an appeal.
Since the start of his career in 2004, FLAME has released nine albums.