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Pharrell Williams

Source: Getty / Getty

Pharrell Williams‘ reputation took a slight hit when he and Robin Thicke were ordered to pay Marvin Gaye‘s family $7.3 million after losing a lawsuit for copyright infringement, in connection to their 2013 collaborative hit “Blurred Lines.”

Now Pharrell is speaking out on the matter, saying the verdict “handicaps any creator” making music that’s inspired by other artists. While speaking with the Financial Times, Pharrell warned:

“The verdict handicaps any creator out there who is making something that might be inspired by something else. This applies to fashion, music, design . . . anything. If we lose our freedom to be inspired we’re going to look up one day and the entertainment industry as we know it will be frozen in litigation. This is about protecting the intellectual rights of people who have ideas.”

Adding:

“Everything that’s around you in a room was inspired by something or someone. If you kill that, there’s no creativity.”

The Gaye family was awarded its millions from the duo, but may also be looking to receive royalties from T.I., as he dropped a verse on the song as well.

SOURCE: TheYBF, Financial Times | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty 

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