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Missy Elliott Must Face Trial in Lawsuit From Alleged 1990s Co-Writer — Though Not Over Aaliyah Song

Missy Elliott must face trial in a copyright lawsuit, but an Aaliyah song was cut. A man says he co-wrote several songs with Elliott without credit.

Missy Elliott performs during 2023 Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit - Mary J. Blige Concert at State Farm Arena on May 12, 2023 in Atlanta. “Considering the success of Aaliyah’s One in a Million album, on which ‘Heartbroken’ was released, and Williams’ work in the music industry after the album’s release, including with Elliott, a reasonable person in Williams’ position would have been on notice of the use of his unpublished song in the purportedly derivative song Heartbroken by Aaliyah,” Judge Alejandro wrote. The decision, which largely rejected Elliott’s motion for so-called summary judgment, leaves the case headed toward a trial, where Williams will need to prove his allegations in front of a jury.

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