A spokesperson for Michael Jackson’s estate has responded to Sexyy Red’s viral cover of his hit song “beat it.”
According to journalist Loren Lorosa, the spokesperson for Michael Jackson’s estate exclusively told her, “We were totally unaware of this. The use of the music is unauthorized.” She also added that the estate didn’t seem happy about the cover at all.
The statement indicates that no official clearance or authorization was granted for the use of the song in the preview shared online. At this time, it is unclear whether the estate plans to pursue legal action.
Michael Jackson’s 1982 track “Beat It” remains one of the most recognizable songs in pop music history. The song appears on his album Thriller, which remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. More information about Jackson’s catalog and estate management can be found through Michael Jackson’s official website.
Sexyy Red Previewed A Reworked Version Of “Beat It”
As previously shared, the St. Louis rapper recently posted a video previewing a rework of Jackson’s hit “Beat It.” Over the instantly recognizable instrumental, Red delivers a bold and explicit version of the song.
In the clip, Red raps along to the beat with NSFW lyrics. The preview quickly gained attention online, with social media users sharing mixed reactions.
At this time, Sexyy Red has not publicly responded to the estate’s statement. It also remains unclear whether the previewed track was intended for official release or was simply a social media snippet.
Michael Jackson’s Music Rights Remain Highly Protected
Michael Jackson’s music catalog is managed by his estate, which oversees licensing, permissions, and commercial use of his recordings. Unauthorized use of copyrighted material can lead to removal requests or legal action.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, artists and estates maintain exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works from copyrighted music. Additional information on copyright protections can be found at copyright.gov.
For now, the estate’s position is clear. They state they were not informed and did not authorize the use of “Beat It.”