Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” Gets a Legal Mic‑Check
Los Angeles, CA – The pop ace behind “Shake It Off” has hit a courtroom snag, as a California judge decided the song can’t be dismissed because it allegedly borrows wording from the 2014 track “Playas Gon’ Play” by R&B trio 3LW.
Judge’s Verdict
On Dec 9, District Judge Michael Fitzgerald ruled that while there are some noticeable tweaks between the two songs, “there are enough objective similarities” to send the case to a jury. He noted that the defendants “have not shown that there are no genuine issues of triable fact.”
Key Lines in the Spotlight
- Swift’s chorus: “the players gonna play, play, play… and the haters gonna hate, hate, hate.”
- 3LW’s hit: “players, they gonna play / and haters, they gonna hate.”
The Creators’ Perspective
Songwriters Sean Hall and Nathan Butler claim the combination of “players” or “playas” with “haters” or “hatzas” was unique to their tune. They’re seeking unspecified damages for the alleged copying.
Swift’s Crowd‑Control
Swift’s team declined to comment after the decision. Back in 2017, they had called the claim a “ridiculous” “money grab.”
What’s Next?
With the lawsuit revived after a 2018 dismissal, the case will now go to trial. Fans are guessing whether the judge will call for a full “jury” or just keep it “in the background.” Either way, it’s a reminder that even chart‑topping hits can get stuck in the fine print.
