Olivia Dean accused of copying Bill Withers' Just The Two of Us
Summary
British singer Olivia Dean is being sued in California for allegedly copying the melody of Bill Withers' 1981 song "Just The Two of Us" in her track "I've Seen It." The lawsuit targets Dean's record label and publishers, claiming the songs share strong musical similarities, but does not seek damages from Dean herself.Key Facts
- The lawsuit was filed in California by the company managing Bill Withers' music catalog.
- It accuses Olivia Dean's label Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, and publishing firms of copying the melody.
- The disputed songs are Dean's "I've Seen It" and Withers' "Just The Two of Us."
- A hired music expert found "substantial similarities" and repeated copying of the melody in Dean's song.
- The publishers say they warned Dean's label in August but the song was not removed.
- To prove plagiarism, they must show Dean and her co-writers likely heard Withers’ original song before writing theirs.
- "Just The Two of Us" was a hit in 1981, charting high and winning a Grammy; Withers died in 2020.
- Olivia Dean won the Best New Artist Grammy and her album topped UK charts in 2025.
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