Truth Hurts

Lizzo Accused of Plagiarism in hit songs “Truth Hurts” and “Juice”

Marcella Hubbard-Brucher

Students watch Lizzo’s latest music video for the song Truth Hurts

Freshman Morganne Maramaldi pops in her earbuds on the bus ride home. She’s listening to her favorite singer, Lizzo.

“I love Lizzo and her music.” said Maramaldi. “I never thought she would be accused of stealing lyrics.”

Recently Lizzo has been accused of plagiarising lines in two of her songs. In the article “Lizzo accused of plagiarism by Cece Peniston over “Juice””, the author writes,  “Singer CeCe Peniston has accused Lizzo of copying her work, lifting ad-libs from her 1992 track “Finally” for “Juice.”” Additionally, she was also accused of using a line that she cowrote with Justin and Jerimiah Raisen and not giving them credit in her song “Truth Hurts”.

However, Lizzo is not the only person in the music industry who has been accused of plagiarism. It is actually much more common than most people think. According to Insider popular artists such as Lil Nas X and Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood and Bruno Mars. 

“I like her music because she’s very empowering in all of her songs,” said senior Mackenzi Kimball. Lizzo’s songs preach body positivity and female empowerment which makes them popular among young women like Mackenzi.

“That makes me feel sad because people aren’t creating original content anymore,” said  junior Kyla Prussman. As plagiarism in the music industry has become more and more common, people are beginning to question the credibility of their favorite artists. 

  “I think they should be punished and get a fine because then maybe they will not do it again,” said junior Emily Hoggard. However, this is not how it usually turns out. Most of the artists, including Lil Nas X and Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood and Bruno Mars, with cases against them have settled with their accusers out of court with payments. Lizzo has yet to make settlements with either party. So far she is still claiming no responsibility so whether she ever does make these payments remains to be seen.