Blab Music
Bauer-Griffin Sues Gamma, Vydia, French Montana, Kanye West Over Unlicensed Paparazzi Audio Sample
A California federal court received a copyright complaint on July 20, 2026 from celebrity photo agency Bauer‑Griffin against several parties for the alleged unauthorized use of a 2013 paparazzi audio clip in a 2024 hip‑hop track.
The lawsuit names Gamma Media Holdings, its distribution subsidiary Vydia, rapper French Montana, artist Kanye West (now known as Ye), and producers Dem Jointz and BoogzDaBeast. The complaint alleges that the defendants incorporated the audio from a viral 2013 confrontation between West and paparazzi into the opening of the song “Where They At,” which appears on French Montana’s album Mac & Cheese 5.
Bauer‑Griffin claims the defendants engaged in direct infringement of the audio and, in West’s and Montana’s cases, vicarious infringement. The agency seeks a preliminary injunction to halt further use of the sample, monetary damages, and all profits derived from the track. The complaint states that the defendants were aware that they required permission to use the material but failed to obtain it.
The disputed audio originates from a video filmed in 2013 when Kanye West was photographed by paparazzi outside a Los Angeles restaurant. In the clip, West is seen confronting a photographer, shouting “don’t take no photos.” The clip went viral and has been referenced in music and media since.
“Where They At” was released in 2024 and features West’s vocals. According to the lawsuit, the track’s producers used the 2013 audio as a prominent intro without clearance. The claim notes that the defendants’ actions were “reckless” and “deliberate,” implying a conscious decision to use the material.
Gamma was founded in 2023 by former Apple executive Larry Jackson and record executive Ike Youssef. The company acquired Vydia, a distribution platform that offers content‑ID services and direct publishing to streaming services. Vydia’s technology allows users to file automated copyright claims on platforms like YouTube.
The lawsuit highlights the broader issue of sampling unlicensed audio from public footage. Under U.S. copyright law, a photographer who captures a celebrity in public owns the rights to the image and any accompanying audio. The use of such material in a commercial recording requires a license.
Industry observers note that the case could set a precedent for how unlicensed samples from paparazzi footage are treated in music production. It also underscores the growing scrutiny of sample clearance practices as artists increasingly incorporate viral clips into new releases.
At the time of filing, the parties have not issued public statements. The lawsuit remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. No settlement has been announced, and the defendants have yet to file a formal response.
The outcome of the case may influence future licensing negotiations for artists who wish to use public footage, and could prompt record labels and distributors to review their sample‑clearance procedures. The legal proceedings will also be closely watched by the broader music‑distribution ecosystem, where platforms like Vydia play a key role in managing copyright claims.
In summary, Bauer‑Griffin’s lawsuit alleges that Gamma, Vydia, French Montana, Kanye West, and associated producers used an unlicensed 2013 paparazzi audio clip in a 2024 track. The agency seeks an injunction, damages, and all profits from the song. The case remains in early litigation stages, with no resolution or settlement announced as of July 20, 2026.
The lawsuit names Gamma Media Holdings, its distribution subsidiary Vydia, rapper French Montana, artist Kanye West (now known as Ye), and producers Dem Jointz and BoogzDaBeast. The complaint alleges that the defendants incorporated the audio from a viral 2013 confrontation between West and paparazzi into the opening of the song “Where They At,” which appears on French Montana’s album Mac & Cheese 5.
Bauer‑Griffin claims the defendants engaged in direct infringement of the audio and, in West’s and Montana’s cases, vicarious infringement. The agency seeks a preliminary injunction to halt further use of the sample, monetary damages, and all profits derived from the track. The complaint states that the defendants were aware that they required permission to use the material but failed to obtain it.
The disputed audio originates from a video filmed in 2013 when Kanye West was photographed by paparazzi outside a Los Angeles restaurant. In the clip, West is seen confronting a photographer, shouting “don’t take no photos.” The clip went viral and has been referenced in music and media since.
“Where They At” was released in 2024 and features West’s vocals. According to the lawsuit, the track’s producers used the 2013 audio as a prominent intro without clearance. The claim notes that the defendants’ actions were “reckless” and “deliberate,” implying a conscious decision to use the material.
Gamma was founded in 2023 by former Apple executive Larry Jackson and record executive Ike Youssef. The company acquired Vydia, a distribution platform that offers content‑ID services and direct publishing to streaming services. Vydia’s technology allows users to file automated copyright claims on platforms like YouTube.
The lawsuit highlights the broader issue of sampling unlicensed audio from public footage. Under U.S. copyright law, a photographer who captures a celebrity in public owns the rights to the image and any accompanying audio. The use of such material in a commercial recording requires a license.
Industry observers note that the case could set a precedent for how unlicensed samples from paparazzi footage are treated in music production. It also underscores the growing scrutiny of sample clearance practices as artists increasingly incorporate viral clips into new releases.
At the time of filing, the parties have not issued public statements. The lawsuit remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. No settlement has been announced, and the defendants have yet to file a formal response.
The outcome of the case may influence future licensing negotiations for artists who wish to use public footage, and could prompt record labels and distributors to review their sample‑clearance procedures. The legal proceedings will also be closely watched by the broader music‑distribution ecosystem, where platforms like Vydia play a key role in managing copyright claims.
In summary, Bauer‑Griffin’s lawsuit alleges that Gamma, Vydia, French Montana, Kanye West, and associated producers used an unlicensed 2013 paparazzi audio clip in a 2024 track. The agency seeks an injunction, damages, and all profits from the song. The case remains in early litigation stages, with no resolution or settlement announced as of July 20, 2026.
