Mariah Carey Slapped With New $20 Million Lawsuit Over 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' as Songwriter Revives War With Pop Star
Nov. 1 2023, Published 1:43 p.m. ET
All Mariah Carey probably wants this Christmas season is for the $20 million copyright lawsuit against her to disappear. In the legal documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the five-time Grammy winner was sued again by singer Andy Stone over her 1994 smash hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Carey reportedly earns $3 million annually for her holiday hit 'All I Want For Christmas is You.'
Stone, whose stage name is Vince Vance, dropped the lawsuit in November 2022, but it appears he's had a change of heart as Mariah's season inches upon us.
Stone and his co-writer Troy Powers once again sued Carey, 54, Walter Afanasieff, and Sony Music Entertainment on Monday in Los Angeles court, claiming that her holiday track is uncomfortably similar to their song, which got "extensive airplay" on the radio during the 1993 Christmas season, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
"Melody, lyrics, feel, when you combine these three elements and base your derivative copy on something that is more alike than dislike, it is those substantial similarities that will upon closer inspection reveal the truth of Plaintiffs' claim of infringement," the documents obtained by this outlet read.
"Carey has, without licensing, palmed off these works with her incredulous origin story, as if those works were her own. Her hubris knowing no bounds, even her co-credited songwriter doesn't believe the story she has spun. This is simply a case of actionable infringement," Stone and Powers claimed.
The pair wants $20 million in damages. They alleged that in April 2021, Stone's lawyers contacted the defendants, including Carey, to confront them over the "unauthorized" use of the song but were unable to "come to an agreement."
Stone then sent a cease and desist to the We Belong Together singer, which he said did nothing because Carey continues to allegedly "exploit" his work every holiday season.
During his original filing, the self-employed artist argued that his and Carey's tracks contain "substantial similarities" and "tell the same story, incorporating the same arc from beginning to end, of an individual who wants their partner more than material goods or seasonal comforts."
Visit the all-new RADAR SPORTS for all the on and off-field activities of the biggest names in the games.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Stone's song was released in 1989, five years before Carey dropped All I Want for Christmas Is You. After the megastar released her song, it repeatedly topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Carey's tune is also the only Christmas song to be certified Diamond by the RIAA for more than 10 million copies sold. The royalties from Carey's version were estimated to be at $60 million in 2016, according to The Economist.
RadarOnline.com has reached out to Carey's team for comment.
Powered by RedCircle
