Funk music icon George Clinton has initiated a $100 million lawsuit against his former business associate, Armen Boladian, and his companies, including Bridgeport Music. The lawsuit, filed on March 11, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, alleges that Boladian fraudulently acquired the copyrights to approximately 90% of Clinton's music catalog, resulting in significant financial losses for the artist.
Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit
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Fraudulent Acquisition of Copyrights: Clinton asserts that Boladian and his affiliated companies engaged in deceptive practices to obtain control over his musical works, thereby depriving him of rightful ownership and royalties.
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Withholding of Royalties: The suit claims that Boladian withheld millions in royalties owed to Clinton, exacerbating the financial harm caused by the alleged fraudulent activities.
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Fabrication of Legal Documents: It is alleged that Boladian fabricated legal documents between 1982 and 1985 to increase his share of royalties without Clinton's knowledge or consent.
Historical Context and Previous Legal Disputes
The contentious relationship between Clinton and Boladian spans over three decades, marked by multiple legal battles:
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Prior Lawsuits: Clinton has previously filed lawsuits against Boladian and his companies, challenging the ownership of his music rights. Notably, in the early 2000s, Clinton lost attempts to regain control of his publishing rights.
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Defamation Case: In 2021, Clinton won a defamation case against Boladian, who had sued over claims in Clinton’s memoir alleging that Boladian had fabricated documents to misappropriate music rights.
Statements from Both Parties
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George Clinton: At a press conference outside the Apollo Theater, Clinton emphasized the significance of his music legacy, stating, "These songs we’re talking about is my history... I have to fight for them."
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Richard Busch (Attorney for Boladian): Busch dismissed the lawsuit as a repetition of previous unsuccessful claims, stating, "He has lost each and every time, including in the very courthouse in which he has filed this latest lawsuit."
Implications for the Music Industry
This lawsuit highlights ongoing challenges artists face regarding control and ownership of their creative works. It underscores the importance of transparent and fair business practices within the music industry to protect artists' rights and legacies.
Conclusion
George Clinton's legal action against Armen Boladian represents a significant effort to reclaim control over his extensive music catalog. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for artists' rights and the enforcement of ethical standards in music publishing.