US Rap Star Sues BBC Over Copyright
Byrne v. British Broadcasting Corporation
The Irish News - 4/28/00
DISCLAIMER:
BBC logo used only to identify adversary
By Ray O’Hanlon in New York
AN Irish-American rap singer is suing the BBC for $5 million dollars because he
alleges the Spotlight programme illegally used one of his songs.
Chris Byrne, co-founder off popular New York-based band Black 47, is taking the
action over the use of his rap-style song Fenians in a Spotlight documentary which
focused on the case of four Irish nationals accused of mounting a gun-running
operation from Florida to Ireland.
The case before the federal court alleges the BBC misappropriated Mr Byrne’s
copyrighted musical recording without license or permission.
Mr Byrne’s suit also argues that the legal issue goes deeper than just violation of
standard copyright.
“By taking Mr Byrne’s instantly recognisable voice and musical work, the BBC has
caused him to be unwillingly associated with a British media company and an anti-
Irish message, both of which he has long opposed,” the musician’s lawyers said in
a press release.
Mr Byrne has been a consistent critic of the British presence and policies in
Northern Ireland.
“The BBC stole both my work and my reputation. My work has always had at its
core the belief that the Irish people have the right to self-determination and
independence from British interference. My political beliefs are central to who I am,”
he said.
The Spotlight programme was aired on October 5, 1999. The Florida trial is due to
begin in a few days.
According to Mr Byrne’s lawyer the BBC has acknowledged receipt of notice to sue
but has not yet come back with a substantive reply.
A BBC spokesman said: “We do not comment on legal matters.”
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