Eminem takes on Zuckerberg: The rapper sues Meta for more than $100 million

Recent reports claim that Eminem’s music publishing company, Eight Mile Style, has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. (Mark Zuckerberg’s company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) for alleged copyright infringement.

The lawsuit claims that Meta has been using a significant portion of Eminem’s music catalog (reportedly over 240 songs) without a proper licensing deal.

Specifically, it alleges that Meta’s in-app features like “Reels Remix” and “Original Audio” allow and encourage users to incorporate Eminem’s songs into their user-generated content, which is then streamed billions of times across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Eight Mile Style argues that Meta was aware it needed licenses for these songs, and despite attempts to negotiate through a digital royalty collection firm (Audiam), no agreement was reached with Eminem’s publisher. Yet, the music was allegedly still made available.

The lawsuit is reportedly seeking substantial damages, potentially exceeding $100 million (e.g., $150,000 per song, per platform), as well as a permanent injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of the music.

Meta hit back

A Meta spokesperson has reportedly stated that the company has licenses with “thousands of partners around the world” and an “extensive global licensing program for music.” They also claimed they were negotiating in good faith with Eight Mile Style, but the publisher “chose to sue.”

The Detroit based rapper Eminem himself (Marshall Mathers) is not a direct plaintiff in this lawsuit; it’s his music publishing company, Eight Mile Style, which controls the rights to his music from 1995 to 2005.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.