British singer-songwriter James Arthur has been accused of copyright infringement over alleged similarities between his 2016 hit Say You Won’t Let Go and a song originally penned by Dublin rock band The Script a decade ago.
In recent days, the Irish indie rock trio have confirmed that they are suing Mr Arthur amid concerns that his single contains ‘identical beats and melodies’ to their 2008 song The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.
Mr Arthur – who, in 2014, suffered a career break over some controversial social media comments which saw him dropped from his record label – allegedly approached band members of The Script that same year to ask if they would be interested in a collaboration, but was rejected.
Two years later, the former X Factor star enjoyed a hugely successful comeback with Say You Won’t Let Go after signing up to new record label, Syco.
Reports suggest that the Irish band has accused Mr Arthur of copying “the essence” of The Man Who Can’t Be Moved following their 2014 meeting.
In its efforts to build a case against the TV talent show star, The Script has reportedly hired a music expert to prepare an evaluation of the similarities between the two songs, which allegedly “have a similar chord progression.”
However, according to BBC News, James Arthur has previously indicated that he feels there is “no case” for him to answer.