Filmmaker Sues Beyonce in New York, Claims ‘Lemonade' Trailer Stole His Ideas

Beyoncé's legal team is getting into "Formation."

A filmmaker has filed a federal lawsuit in New York against the Grammy-winning artist alleging ideas from his short film were used to create the trailer that accompanied her new visual album "Lemonade."

The suit filed Wednesday in Manhattan also names the singer's management company, Parkwood Entertainment, along with Sony Music Entertainment and Columbia Recording Corp.

Matthew Fulks, of Louisville, Kentucky, alleges the producers of Beyoncé's "Lemonade" copied "substantial parts" of a short film he produced in 2014.

Fulks says Bryan Younce, Senior Vice President of Video and Content at Columbia, had been sent a link to his film, "Palinoia." 

He says "Lemonade" was produced months later. Fulks alleges the defendants infringed on his copyright because the two films are visually similar.

According to court documents, Fulks alleges several similarities in the songstress' teaser and his video, including graffiti styles displayed in the background, shots comprised in red and black, the use of parking garages, poetry voice over, "heavy, dark, and angst-laden" moods and similar title card screens.

Representatives for Beyoncé and the corporations didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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