GloRilla Fights Back in “No BBL” Lawsuit, Argues Viral Phrases Aren't Copyrightable

GloRilla, UMG Recordings, and Warner Chappell Music File to Dismiss "Never Find" Copyright Suit

In a developing legal battle that's got everyone in the music industry talking, GloRilla and her collaborators are asking a federal court in Louisiana to throw out a copyright infringement lawsuit. The suit, brought by artist Natalie Henderson (known as Slimdabodylast), claims GloRilla’s hit song "Never Find" copied a viral phrase from Henderson's track "All Natural."

At the heart of the dispute is the phrase “no BBL.” Henderson’s lawsuit centers on her lyric, “all naturale, no BBL,” which she claims gained significant social media popularity for its body-positive message. She alleges that GloRilla's line—“Natural, no BBL, but I’m still gon’ give them hell”—is a direct rip-off that has unfairly generated profit for the rapper.

However, GloRilla's legal team is challenging the case on multiple fronts, with a motion to dismiss that could have major implications for how viral content is protected.

The Defense's Key Arguments:

No Access, No Case? The defense argues that Henderson cannot prove GloRilla had access to her song. They contend that simply posting a track online doesn't meet the legal standard for "widespread distribution," a crucial element in proving copyright infringement.

Is It Even Similar? The legal team disputes any substantial similarity between the two tracks. They point out that Henderson's phrase is a repeated hook, while GloRilla uses the line only once in a different lyrical context. The defense also highlights that phrases like "give them hell" are common in music and are not subject to copyright.

Originality Questioned: Perhaps the most compelling argument is that the phrase itself is too common and short to be considered a legally protected piece of intellectual property. The motion argues that viral expressions, even popular ones, do not automatically qualify for copyright protection, and that phrases celebrating natural bodies are widespread in modern music.

This case raises a fascinating question about the intersection of viral trends and intellectual property law. Can a short, trending phrase be owned? The court's decision could set a precedent for artists and content creators alike.

What do you think? Is a viral phrase like "no BBL" original enough to be copyrighted? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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