Sexyy Red has been warned she could face legal action after using an unauthorised sample of Michael Jackson’s classic Beat It.
The estate of the late King of Pop has hit out at the 27-year-old rapper – whose real name is Janae Wherry – after she used parts of the smash hit from his 1982 album Thriller in a now-viral clip of her performing Just Eat It.
Sexyy Red faced a backlash from fans of the music icon after she jokingly claimed her song would feature in the forthcoming Michael biopic about the Billie Jean hitmaker.
She teased on Instagram: “Leaked footage from da Michael Jackson movie HOOCHIE TRIBUTE TO DA BEST LLMJ.”
Earlier this week, fellow rapper Lil Yachty posted footage of Sexyy Red in the studio rapping to Just Eat It.
The X-rated version features the risqué lyrics: “Just eat it, just eat it/ You better not nut fast because I hate a minute man/ And if that d*** is trash, I’m telling all my friends/ I’ll beat your a** and we bout to throw them hands.”
Jackson’s estate is furious and vowed to “take appropriate action” to protect the artist’s property and legacy.
A statement read: “Michael Jackson’s music is protected by copyright and by a legacy that is carefully managed to honour his artistic vision.
“The unauthorised sampling and alteration of ‘Beat It’ undermines that legacy and violates the rights of the Estate.”
The estate of Michael Jackson, which has been fiercely selective about the use of Michael’s works since he died in 2009, continued: “We are reviewing all available legal remedies.
“We will take appropriate action to protect Michael’s intellectual property and preserve the integrity of his work.”
They added: “Michael’s catalogue is among the most valuable in music history.
“Every decision we make is guided by preserving his artistry and ensuring that future generations experience his work as intended.”
Sexyy Red is yet to respond.