Robin Thicke, Pharrell ordered to pay Marvin Gaye's family $7.4m for Blurred Lines

Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke made $16.5million from their 2013 smash hit single, Blurred Lines, but a court has ordered them to give $7.4 million of that money to Marvin Gaye's family

The court determined  yesterday March 10th that the singers copied elements of Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give it Up" for Blurred Lines, which was written and produced by Pharrell. 

The court decided that Gaye's family should receive $4million in damages and $3.4 million in profits from the song, with Thicke forced to pay $1.7million from his own pocket and Pharrell $1.6million. T.I only rapped in the song so he wasn't involved in the lawsuit...
 

 

Pharrell and Robin Thicke in court yesterday. The singers attorney said the court's decision in favor of Gaye's family could affect musicians who try to emulate an era or another artist's sound. 

Pharrell and Robin Thicke released a statement saying

"While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward.

'Blurred Lines’ was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and T.I. and not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter.'

Pharrell and Thicke had filed a pre-emptive lawsuit against Marvin Gaye's estate back in August 2013 to prevent the estate from suing them for copyright infringement. They lost.