Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are balling hard from the earnings of their 2013 hit song "Blurred Lines," according to attorneys involved in an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit with Marvin Gaye's family. Business Insider reports that the song made over $16.6 million, which was split between the artists and their respective record labels. A large sum of over $5 million was left to both Thicke and Williams, while T.I. earned over $700,000 for his appearance on the song. The remainder of the profit was split between Interscope, Universal Music Group and Star Trak Entertainment.
The hearing for the case has been taking place since last month, with Marvin Gaye's family attempting to prove that "Blurred Lines" took a significant amount of its instrumentation and sound from his song titled "Got To Give It Up." Read more about the case in the full story here.
UPDATE 3/10/15: AP is reporting that the jury has awarded Marvin Gaye's family $7.3 million. We'll update with more details when available.
BREAKING: Jury finds Pharrell, Thicke copied Marvin Gaye song for 'Blurred Lines,' awards $7.3 million.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 10, 2015UPDATE 3/10/15 (8:13 p.m.): A spokeswoman for Pharrell, Robin Thicke, and T.I. issued the following statement: "While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward. Blurred Lines was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and T.I. and not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter."
Marvin Gaye’s daughter, Nona Gaye, added: "Right now, I feel free. Free from … Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke’s chains and what they tried to keep on us and the lies that were told." The Gaye family will also attempt to halt sales of "Blurred Lines" in the next week or so.
