Songwriter RØMANS Settles Legal Dispute with Paramount Pictures Over Unauthorized Use in Smurfs Movie
A legal dispute involving a song from the 2021 Smurfs movie, allegedly not paid for by Paramount Pictures due to budget issues with Rihanna, has been resolved through a confidential settlement agreement. RØMANS, a songwriter known for his work with artists like Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran, claimed that Paramount used his song "Anyone" in the film without proper authorization or compensation. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, and both parties have not commented on the matter. Rihanna was not implicated in the lawsuit.
RØMANS stated that Paramount initially approached him in 2022 to write a song for the Smurfs movie, promising that it would be performed by Rihanna and heavily promoted. However, as the movie's release approached, the studio informed him that the song would not be commercially released, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Despite this, Paramount proceeded to include the uncleared music in the film, blaming Rihanna for the situation and allegedly infringing on RØMANS' copyrights without payment.
The Smurfs movie, a live-action/animated project, received negative reviews and was a financial disappointment for Paramount, reportedly losing $80 million. In addition to "Anyone," RØMANS claimed that another song he wrote, "Always on the Outside," performed by James Corden, was also used without his consent. The lawsuit has now been settled, bringing an end to the legal dispute over the unauthorized use of RØMANS' music in the film.