UPDATE: A Disney+ docuseries chronicling Taylor Swift‘s iconic Eras Tour may face an urgent legal blockade as Judge Aileen Cannon considers a motion for a preliminary injunction filed by Florida artist Kimberly Marasco. This action comes just weeks before the series is set to premiere on December 12, 2023.
Marasco claims that Swift and her co-defendants, including Universal Music Group and Republic Records, infringed on her copyrights by allegedly copying her poetry in the lyrics and visuals from multiple albums. This lawsuit is not Marasco’s first attempt; she previously filed a suit against Swift that was dismissed due to procedural issues.
According to a source close to Swift’s legal team, Marasco’s claims are “absurd and legally baseless.” They emphasize that common themes like “fire” or “love” cannot be owned by one individual, as these are not protectable under copyright law. The source expressed confidence that the court will dismiss Marasco’s latest claims, which were previously rejected with prejudice.
In her motion, Marasco argues that the release of the docuseries will cause her to suffer “irreparable harm.” She asserts, “Once the docuseries is broadcast globally, Plaintiff’s works will be irreversibly embedded in cultural products beyond Plaintiff’s reach, without any credit or acknowledgment of Plaintiff’s material.”
Legal experts weigh in on the situation. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, stated that blocking a major release like this would be inappropriate unless clear evidence of infringement is presented. “If Taylor Swift really was infringing, she can just pay money for her infringement,” he noted, expressing skepticism about Marasco’s likelihood of success.
The court has yet to make a ruling on Marasco’s motion. As the Eras Tour docuseries is poised to attract massive viewership and generate cultural buzz, the stakes are high for both Swift and Marasco. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the music industry and copyright law.
As the situation develops, the public awaits a decision that could change the landscape for artists and creators alike. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story, as the judge’s ruling could arrive at any moment.
