THE UNTOLD STORY OF MESSY MYA: THE $20 MILLION DOLLAR BEYONCÉ LAWSUIT

Beyoncé, one of the most influential and celebrated artists of our time, found herself embroiled in a $20 million lawsuit that exposed a darker side of the music industry—one where cultural appropriation and uncredited use of creative work spark fierce legal battles.

The lawsuit was brought by the estate of Messy Mya, a late New Orleans rapper and internet personality whose distinctive voice was sampled without permission in Beyoncé’s 2016 hit single “Formation.”

This case not only highlights issues of copyright infringement but also raises important questions about respect, recognition, and the exploitation of marginalized artists within the entertainment industry.

Messy Mya, born Anthony Moya, was a vibrant figure in New Orleans culture long before social media influencers dominated the scene.

Known for his raw, unapologetic style and viral videos, he captured the essence of New Orleans’ streets and spirit with an authenticity that resonated deeply with local audiences.

Tragically, his life was cut short in 2010 when he was murdered.

Despite his passing, Messy Mya’s voice and persona lived on, immortalized in countless online clips and memories cherished by his community.

In 2016, Beyoncé released “Formation,” a track that quickly became an anthem of Black pride and resilience, particularly spotlighting New Orleans’ culture and history.

The song opens with a soundbite of Messy Mya shouting, “What happened at the New Orleans?” This clip, taken directly from his YouTube videos, set the tone for the entire song, grounding it in the city’s unique energy.

However, what should have been a respectful nod to a cultural icon turned into a legal controversy when it became clear that Beyoncé’s team had used Messy Mya’s voice without obtaining permission or providing any form of credit or compensation.

Messy Mya’s sister, who manages his estate, reached out multiple times to Beyoncé’s representatives seeking to negotiate a proper licensing agreement.

According to the lawsuit, these efforts were met with silence or outright dismissal.

The estate claimed that Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Sony Music all ignored their requests, effectively “ghosting” them despite the clear use of Messy Mya’s copyrighted material.

This led to the filing of a $20 million lawsuit, accusing the superstar and her collaborators of copyright infringement and cultural theft.

Beyoncé’s legal team initially argued that the sample fell under “fair use,” a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under certain conditions, such as commentary, criticism, or parody.

However, the judge overseeing the case was not convinced.

The court recognized that the sample, though brief, was “qualitatively significant” to the song’s identity and mood.

It was not background noise or incidental; it was central to the track’s cultural message and artistic impact.

The judge denied Beyoncé’s motion to dismiss the case, signaling that the lawsuit had merit and could proceed.

Faced with mounting legal pressure, Beyoncé eventually settled the lawsuit quietly in 2018.

The details of the settlement remain confidential, but it is widely understood that the estate received a substantial financial payout.

Despite the settlement, Beyoncé never publicly acknowledged Messy Mya’s contribution or paid tribute to his legacy, leaving many to view the resolution as a private transaction rather than a public act of respect.

This lawsuit shines a light on a troubling pattern in the music and entertainment industries, where major artists and labels often profit from the creative work of lesser-known, marginalized individuals without proper acknowledgment or fair compensation.

Messy Mya’s voice was not just a sample; it was a foundational element of “Formation,” a song that celebrated Black culture while simultaneously overlooking the rights of one of its authentic voices.

The case also underscores the importance of cultural respect and the need to honor the origins of artistic inspiration.

New Orleans, with its rich and complex history, has long been a wellspring of musical innovation and cultural expression.

Artists like Messy Mya represent the city’s raw energy and creativity, and their contributions deserve recognition, not exploitation.

For Messy Mya’s family and fans, the lawsuit was more than a legal battle—it was a fight for justice, dignity, and the preservation of a legacy.

Their persistence ensured that the music industry could not silence their claim, reminding the world that behind every iconic sample or soundbite is a person whose story matters.

Next time you hear the iconic opening of “Formation,” remember that voice belongs to Messy Mya—a man whose spirit shaped a cultural moment, even if it took a courtroom fight to make the world acknowledge it.