White Swiped: Jack White wins copyright battle over Israel's Eurovision-winning song
American singer Jack White has been credited for writing Israel's Eurovision competition winning song for 2018 following a copyright dispute.
2 min read
Jack White will now be credited for the song "Toy" [Getty]
Former White Stripes frontman Jack White has been added to the list of composers of Israel's 2018 Eurovision-winning pop anthem 'Toy' after singer Netta Barzilai ran into trouble over alleged copyright infringement.
Many listeners highlighted the fact that the song's chorus had a striking resemblance to 2003 hit "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes.
Universal Music Group wrote to Doron Medalie and Stav Beger, the writers credited with writing the song just weeks after the competition concluded in Lisbon.
According to a recent report by Israeli daily Haaretz, an agreement has now been reached that will include White in the song's credits.
Amnon Szpektor, who was in charge of media for Israel's Eurovision entry last year , said the settlement included a confidentiality clause, and so neither Medalie nor Beger could comment, according to the Times of Israel.
Israel is set to host this year's Eurovision contest in Tel Aviv, however, many leading public figures have called for the event to be hosted elsewhere.
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters were among dozens of figures from Britain's creative industries who urged the BBC earlier this month to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
The 50-strong coalition, which also includes filmmaker Mike Leigh and author Yann Martel, said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and call for the annual competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".
Follow the Middle East's top stories in English at The New Arab on Google News
