Enrique Iglesias Accused Of Plagiarism Over 'Bailando' Song
Enrique Iglesias is accused of theft over his 2014 hit song “Bailando.” The song is said to be plagiarised from the song "Quiero Bailar Contigo.”
According to TMZ, Cristian Escuti and German Schulz claimed they recorded a track in 2009 under the name of “Quiero Bailar Contigo.” Billboard added the song was recorded around May and the songwriters didn’t register a copyright of the song. They then sent “Quiero Bailar Contigo” to a Sony executive in 2012. However, they reportedly didn’t hear anything back from the studio. Following which comes Enrique Iglesias’ 2014 song “Bailando.” His song, which features Descemer Bueno and Cuban duo Gente D' Zona, is believed to be a rip-off from the original 2009 song recorded by Escuti and Schulz.
The songwriters reportedly revealed Sony partially owns “Quiero Bailar Contigo.” They believe a musical conspiracy was done to jeopardise their song. Escuti and Schulz were specifically concerned with the chorus line, melody, lyrics and rhythm of “Bailando,” which are said to have been taken off from “Quiero Bailar Contigo.”
William Trueba of Miami law firm Espinosa|Trueb represents Escuti and Schulz. According to Billboard, Trueba said, “The chorus line in our clients' song is very similar to the chorus in 'Bailando.' The music and lyrics are similar." TMZ claimed they have asked him for a copy of the 2009 song. But Trueba reportedly declined under the request of his clients.
According to Billboard, Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando” is now under investigation for the alleged copyright infringement. Cristian Escuti and German Schulz are reportedly seeking damages and profits gained from “Bailando.” TMZ claimed Iglesias’ song has so far earned 686 million views on You Tube and is believed to be Enrique’s popular song under his “Sex and Love “album. Billboard added the song has been at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Latin songs chart for 39 weeks now.
Enrique Iglesias once said “Bailando” was originally written in 2013. Billboard said it was during the 2014 Billboard Latin Music Conference held in Miami when the singer revealed he worked with longtime collaborator Bueno on the song. However, it was untouched until six months later when Enrique heard Bueno’s version, which was recorded in Cuba with Gente De Zona.
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