Beyoncé Sued Over “Formation” Opening Sample

Beyoncé is being sued by the estate of Messy Mya, the New Orleans YouTube personality who was murdered in 2010, TMZ reports. The estate alleges that Beyoncé’s sampling of Mya’s voice on her Lemonade track “Formation” was done without permission. He can be heard saying “What happened after New Orleans?” and “Bitch, I’m back. By popular demand,” near the beginning of the song. According to TMZ, the estate claims that they attempted to contact Beyoncé’s camp about the sample and never heard back. The suit says they are seeking “more than $20,000,000 in back royalties and other damages.”

Pitchfork has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé for comment.

Find the “Formation” video and Mya’s original video below.

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