Rick Astley May Face Rocky Path in Suing Over Voice Theft

Entertainment Law attorney Danielle Garno was quoted in a Law360 article discussing a lawsuit between singer Rick Astley and rapper Yung Gravy. Rick Astley claims that Yung Gravy violated his right of publicity under California state law by having a sound-alike singer impersonate him on the single "Betty (Get Money)," released last year. Ms. Garno shared her thoughts on the freedom of expression argument that could be used by Yung Gravy.

"Although there are broad protections for artistic or creative expression, free speech rights will not protect against a right of publicity claim where a plaintiff's identity is used, without permission, for purely commercial purposes," she said.

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