by Kunle Owoeye-
Global rap legend Eminem is taking tech titan Mark Zuckerberg and Meta Platforms Inc. to court, launching a $109 million lawsuit over what he alleges is the unauthorized use of 243 of his songs across Meta’s platforms; Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Filed in Michigan federal court by Eminem’s publishing company, Eight Mile Style, the lawsuit accuses Meta of widespread copyright infringement. The claim states that Meta used the rapper’s music without obtaining proper licensing, even after protracted but ultimately unsuccessful negotiations through the licensing agency Audiam.
“This isn’t about one song or one oversight,” said Howard Hertz, legal counsel for Eight Mile Style. “This is about Meta systematically exploiting Eminem’s catalog to drive engagement, grow their platform, and profit, all without compensating the artist.”
The lawsuit alleges that Eminem’s music has been used in user-generated videos viewed billions of times and that Meta also distributed karaoke and instrumental versions of his tracks. According to the filing, Meta’s use continued despite multiple cease-and-desist notices.
“Meta has built its empire on content, much of which belongs to artists like Eminem,” said Hertz. “You can’t build a business model off someone else’s intellectual property and expect to get away with it.”
Eight Mile Style is seeking $150,000 in statutory damages for each of the alleged copyright violations and has requested a jury trial. The publisher argues that Meta prioritized profits over artists’ rights, noting that in 2023, 97.8% of Meta’s revenue came from advertising, much of it driven by user engagement tied to music content.
Meta responded with a brief statement, saying: “We are surprised by the lawsuit. Meta has numerous licensing agreements in place and was actively engaged in good-faith negotiations with Eight Mile Style at the time of filing.”
This isn’t the first clash between the two parties. In 2013, Eight Mile Style sued Facebook for the unauthorized use of an Eminem track in an ad campaign, a case that was eventually resolved out of court.
Industry analysts say the new lawsuit could set a major precedent.
“This case goes beyond Eminem,” said entertainment lawyer Lisa Torres. “It’s a potential turning point in how platforms like Meta navigate music licensing, and how artists protect their work in a digital-first world.”
With tensions escalating and the legal spotlight intensifying, one thing is clear: Eminem is once again fighting for his voice, this time, in the courtroom.
