*Funk legend George Clinton has taken legal action against his former associate Armen Boladian and his company, Bridgeport Music, accusing them of fraudulently acquiring copyrights to the majority of his music catalog. The Parliament-Funkadelic frontman is seeking $100 million in damages.
At a press conference outside the historic Apollo Theater, Clinton spoke alongside his attorney, Ben Crump, explaining why he is pursuing the case, Stereogum reports.
“I’m fighting for my life’s work and to ensure future generations of artists are treated fairly,” Clinton said. “When you’re young and just starting out in the music industry, it’s easy for others to take advantage of you. My eyes are wide open now, and I look forward to shining a light on the truth and exploitation of musicians.”
The lawsuit details multiple claims, including fraud, copyright infringement, and breach of fiduciary duty, alleging that Boladian and his companies wrongfully took control of Clinton’s music and denied him rightful royalties for decades. Additional allegations include civil theft, unjust enrichment, and negligence.
Clinton’s lawsuit also names Westbound Records, Nine Records, Southfield Music, and Eastbound Records as defendants. Crump emphasized the broader significance of the case, saying, “For decades, George Clinton has shaped the sound of music and inspired generations of artists, yet he has been systematically deprived of the rights and royalties he rightfully deserves.” He added, “This lawsuit is about holding accountable those who have built their wealth by exploiting the creativity of Black artists. The fraudulent actions detailed in this lawsuit are as egregious as they are disheartening, and it is past time for these wrongs to be righted.”
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The complaint outlines how, between 1982 and 1985, Boladian allegedly created fraudulent agreements to claim greater rights over Clinton’s catalog. It also accuses him of manipulating copyright registrations by adding fake names and pseudonyms to dilute Clinton’s ownership. Furthermore, in 2001, Boladian reportedly filed hundreds of lawsuits against artists who sampled Clinton’s music—without listing Clinton as a plaintiff, effectively keeping any financial settlements for himself.
In a statement, Boladian’s Attorney Richard Busch said: “This is just the latest in a series of lawsuits that Mr. Clinton has filed against Bridgeport and Armen Boladian over the last 30 years raising the same exact issues.” He added, “He has lost each and every time, including in the very courthouse in which he has filed this latest lawsuit. We will obviously therefore be moving to dismiss this lawsuit and will be seeking sanctions.”
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