Shocking development: NewJeans and their label ADOR have become entangled in a U.S. copyright infringement lawsuit.
According to Billboard on May 8 (local time), four individuals, including composer Audrey Amacost, filed a suit claiming NewJeans' hit 'How Sweet' copied their demo 'One of a Kind' and are seeking a royalty share from NewJeans, ADOR, and parent company HYBE.
The plaintiffs say they previously pitched a topline to NewJeans that was not selected, and now allege the first-verse melody and structure of 'How Sweet' are substantially similar to their track.
'How Sweet' is the title track of NewJeans' double single released in May 2024, a bouncy hip-hop cut rooted in Miami Bass. The song has been widely praised, even landing on Rolling Stone's 'The 100 Best Songs of 2024.'
ADOR stated, "After checking with Bana, who composed and produced the track, there was no plagiarism," adding, "ADOR and the members will respond to the lawsuit in line with Bana's position."
Meanwhile, NewJeans are already in a complicated spot due to an ongoing exclusive-contract dispute. Danielle was notified of contract termination by ADOR and left the team, while the remaining members are in talks to return to ADOR.