Chart-topping Canadian pop singer Avril Lavigne is firing back at accusations that she ripped off other artists' work, calling the claims false and saying she is considering legal action. A lawsuit filed last week by two songwriters, claiming her hit "Girlfriend" sounds like a track their California-based pop band, The Rubinoos, recorded in the 1970s, has no merit, she said. "I had never heard this song in my life and their claim is based on five words!
All songs share similar lyrics and emotions. As humans we speak one language," Lavigne said in a letter posted on Friday on her web site. MUSIC: Hear Avril Lavigne's new album Lavigne said there were several songs that bore lyrical similarities to "Girlfriend," including hits by the Ramones and Rolling Stones.
"Simply put, I have been falsely accused of ripping their song off. [Songwriting partner] Luke [Gottwald] and I have done nothing wrong and there is no merit to their claim," she writes. Lavigne, who is famous for angry, emotionally-charged songs, has also been locked in a war of words with former co-writer, Chantal Kreviazuk.
Kreiazuk said the singer will "cross the ethical line and no one says anything," suggesting the star had taken sole credit for a song she had written. The 22-year-old star said she was considering legal action against Kreviazuk after the he claimed in magazine that Lavigne took an idea from her because a song on her new album has the same title. "Let it be crystal clear that I have not ripped anyone off or done anything wrong," she said in the letter addressed to media, fans and friends.
"I do not deserve this negative press and attention," she said. "I take pride in the songs I write and appreciate the opportunities to work with some great writers and musicians." Lavigne, famed for feisty tunes such as "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi," released her third album, , in April.
It topped the charts in the United States and Britain. "I would like to say more but my lawyers have advised me not to. Why is it when you get to a certain level people want to attack you?
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and now I have said my piece," she said. Send us your news tips, stories, photos and videos Chart-topping Canadian pop singer Avril Lavigne is firing back at accusations that she ripped off other artists' work, calling the claims false and saying she is considering legal action.
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