A South African has filed a lawsuit in Chicago that alleges that Elton John stole the lyrics for John’s 1985 song Nikita, news.com.au reports.
In the lawsuit, Guy Hobbs claims that he registered his copyright of the song he called Natasha and sent the lyrics to several publishers, including Big Pig Music Ltd, who have an affiliation with Elton John.
Hobbs says he only discovered John’s em>Nikitain 2001 and was shocked at the similarities with his Natasha. His lawyer, Daniel Voelker, said they have attempted to contact John on numerous occasions but have never received a response.
“(Hobbs) even had a musicologist take a look at the two sets of lyrics who said the two were far too close to be a product of chance,” Voelker said.
Representatives for Elton John have issued a statement expressing their disappointment in Hobbs’ decision to sue:
“Sir Elton John and Mr. Bernie Taupin were surprised and disappointed to learn of the lawsuit for copyright infringement brought against them by Guy Hobbs concerning the lyrics of their 80s hit Nikita.
Sir Elton and Mr. Taupin do not know the plaintiff, nor did they make use of any song lyrics he claims to have written when they wrote Nikita. In short, the suit is completely meritless.”
Watch: Elton John – Nikita
