Beyoncé and Big Freedia Sued for Alleged 'Break My Soul' Copyright Infringement

Beyoncé and Big Freedia are being accused of copyright infringement from a 2002 tune on their songs "Explode" and "Break My Soul"

Beyoncé and Big Freedia are being sued for alleged “willful copyright infringement, unfair trade practices, and unjust enrichment” on the 2022 song “Break My Soul.”

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, New Orleans-based group Da Showstoppaz claim that Big Freedia, and subsequently Beyoncé, took the phrase “Release a Wiggle” from the group’s 2002 song of the same name without permission or credit for both "Break My Soul" and Big Freedia's 2014 song "Explode."

According to court documents, “usage of the actual words, melody, and musical arrangement of the “Release a Wiggle” were deliberately taken by Big Freedia in the recording of ‘Explode,’ which was subsequently heavily sampled by Mrs. Carter in the master recording of ‘Break My Soul.’” The lawsuit was filed in Louisiana.

Representatives for Beyoncé, Big Freedia and Da Showstoppaz did not immediately return PEOPLE's request for comment.

The suit also alleges that no credit was given to Da Showstoppaz — which are made up of Tessa Avie, Keva Bourgeois, Henri Braggs and Brian Clark — amid its massive success. "Defendants have not acknowledged their contribution, obtained permission to use their copyrighted lyrics, melody, and musical arrangement, nor provided compensation to Da Showstoppaz’s," they read.

Related: Beyoncé Announces Release Date for New Album During 2024 Super Bowl: 'Act II'

Showstoppaz filed the lawsuit for the “deliberate taking of their work,” and ask the “Defendants be required to substantiate the ill-gotten profits attributable to their infringement, and cease and desist their continued unauthorized use of their works, provide credit and compensation rights, assets and interests.”

Court documents state that the members of Da Showstoppaz have a “protectable copyright interest” over the “musical composition and the sound recording, to Da Showstoppaz’s original and unique works, 'Release a Wiggle.'"

Beyoncé sampled Big Freedia’s 2014 song “Explode” in “Break My Soul,” the first single to come from her Renaissance album. “Break My Soul” would go on to receive four Grammy nominations, winning the award for best dance/electronic recording in 2023.

Related: Beyoncé Has 32 Grammys: Here's What They're For

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