A Grammy-winning superstar has been hit with a bombshell lawsuit alleging that one of their biggest hits was stolen from an unknown songwriter who claims to have written the track years before it topped the charts worldwide.

Court documents obtained exclusively by Gossip Chronicle reveal that songwriter and producer Marcus Jenkins filed the lawsuit in Federal Court last week, claiming that the chart-topping single "Midnight Memories" — which earned the star a Grammy Award and has amassed over two billion streams — is a direct copy of his unreleased composition "After Dark."

Jenkins is seeking damages in excess of $20 million, as well as co-writing credits and a percentage of all future royalties generated by the song.

The Allegations

According to the 45-page legal complaint, Jenkins claims he created "After Dark" in 2019 and shared the demo with several music industry executives during a songwriting workshop in Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleges that one of those executives later worked with the superstar on their album that included "Midnight Memories," which was released in early 2022.

"The similarities between the two compositions go far beyond coincidence," the lawsuit states. "The chord progression, melodic structure, and even certain distinctive lyrical phrases are virtually identical, constituting a clear case of copyright infringement."

Jenkins' attorney, high-profile entertainment lawyer Stephanie Rodriguez, told Gossip Chronicle that they have submitted detailed musicological analyses from three independent experts, all of whom concluded that the songs share the same unique fingerprint.

The Evidence

The lawsuit includes a detailed timeline that purportedly tracks how Jenkins' original composition made its way to the superstar. Central to these claims is an email exchange from August 2020, in which the unnamed executive allegedly discussed Jenkins' track with colleagues, describing it as "fresh," "commercial," and having "hit potential."

Perhaps most damning is a demo recording that Jenkins claims to have timestamped and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office months before the superstar began recording their album. The lawsuit includes a comparative audio analysis highlighting what Jenkins' team describes as "unmistakable similarities" in the songs' structures.

Among the specific elements allegedly copied are:

• A distinctive four-chord progression that repeats throughout both songs
• A nearly identical melodic hook in the chorus
• Similar vocal phrasing and rhythmic patterns
• Thematically parallel lyrics about memories and late-night encounters
• A unique bridge section with distinctive syncopation

The Star's Response

Representatives for the superstar have vehemently denied the allegations, releasing a statement calling the lawsuit "opportunistic" and "completely without merit."

"Our client has never heard of Mr. Jenkins or his composition," the statement reads. "'Midnight Memories' was written entirely by our client and their longtime collaborators, with every writing session thoroughly documented. We have complete confidence that the facts will vindicate our client, and we look forward to presenting our evidence in court."

The superstar's legal team, led by prominent music industry attorney Jonathan Mercer, has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that any similarities between the songs are "common musical elements that cannot be copyrighted" and represent "standard industry practices rather than infringement."

Industry Implications

This case comes amid growing concerns about copyright issues in the music industry, with several high-profile infringement suits making headlines in recent years. Music business analysts suggest that the increasing pressure on artists to produce hits, combined with the accessibility of music online, has created an environment where inspiration can sometimes cross the line into appropriation.

"The line between influence and infringement has become increasingly blurred," explains music industry analyst Dr. Ramon Cortez. "Artists are constantly exposed to thousands of songs, and sometimes similar ideas can emerge independently. But there are also cases where smaller artists genuinely have their work taken without credit."

Several prominent songwriters have already weighed in on social media, with opinions divided. Some have expressed skepticism about the lawsuit, noting that similar chord progressions appear in many hit songs, while others have voiced support for Jenkins and the importance of protecting creators' rights.

A Pattern of Controversy?

This is not the first time the superstar has faced allegations of creative appropriation. In 2019, questions were raised about similarities between another of their hits and an obscure track by an independent band, though that situation never resulted in legal action.

Industry insiders speaking on condition of anonymity told Gossip Chronicle that there have been longstanding rumors about the star's songwriting process, with some suggesting that they have a reputation for "magpie-like" tendencies in the studio—collecting ideas from various sources without always acknowledging origins.

"There's been talk for years," one veteran producer said. "Many people in the industry have stories about submitting work that was rejected but later seemed to influence songs that were released. But few have had the courage or resources to challenge someone with such power in the industry."

What Happens Next

Legal experts suggest that this case could take months or even years to resolve, particularly if it proceeds to trial. Many similar disputes end in confidential settlements, but Jenkins' team has indicated they are prepared to go the distance.

"My client isn't just seeking financial compensation," Rodriguez stated. "This is about recognizing his creative contribution and establishing a precedent that protects all songwriters, regardless of their status in the industry."

The first hearing is scheduled for next month, where a judge will consider the superstar's motion to dismiss. If the case proceeds, it could potentially set new precedents for how copyright claims are evaluated in the music industry.

For now, "Midnight Memories" remains available on streaming platforms and continues to generate substantial revenue. The superstar is currently on a world tour where the song features prominently in the setlist.

Gossip Chronicle will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as new information becomes available.