Katy Perry Loses “Dark Horse” Lawsuit, Jury Rules She Copied a Christian Rap Song

A federal jury in California has concluded that Katy Perry’s 2013 single “Dark Horse” infringes on a song by a Christian rapper, the Associated Press reports. Marcus Gray, who records under the name Flame, claimed that Perry’s Dr. Luke-produced song featured the same beat and instrumental elements as his 2009 song “Joyful Noise.” Listen to both songs below.

During the trial, both Perry and Dr. Luke said they’d never heard Gray’s song. The jury is also holding co-writer Sarah Hudson and featured artist Juicy J liable. The copyright infringement case will now move to a penalty phase, where it will be determined how much Perry and the other defendants owe.

Read “What Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway’ Trial Says About Copyright’s Increasingly Blurred Lines” on the Pitch.