Lawsuit for plagiarism against Karol G and Tiësto dismissed
The composer Rene Lorente-Garcia sued the Colombian singer and the Dutch DJ for the similarity of “Don’t Be Shy” with his song “Algo Diferente”
Karol G has one less problem to deal with. This week, a federal court in Miami dismissed the plagiarism lawsuit filed against Colombian singer-songwriter and Dutch DJ Tiësto over their song “Don't Be Shy.” The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by Cuban-American composer René Lorente-García, alleged that the song copied elements of his 1998 instrumental work “Algo Diferente,” including melody, rhythm, and harmony, media outlets reported. Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga ruled that Lorente did not meet the legal requirements to proceed, as he could not demonstrate a “substantial similarity” or that the artists had access to his song. Furthermore, the music expert presented by the plaintiff was deemed unqualified to conduct a proper forensic musicological analysis, while the defense’s expert demonstrated that the reported coincidences are common elements in music and not protectable by copyright. The ruling concluded that “Don't Be Shy” and “Something Different” only share generic elements present in multiple previous works, and Lorente's song was not widely distributed enough for the defendants to have known it. Therefore, the lawsuit was dismissed and the composer will not be entitled to compensation, although he can appeal the decision.
Legal representatives for Karol G and Tiësto expressed their satisfaction with the resolution, stressing that it is unfair for successful artists to face unfounded claims.
The lawsuit against Karol G and Tiësto was filed in late August 2023 before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
At the time, Lorente-García argued that “Don't Be Shy” contained “undeniable significant similarities” with his work, which went beyond a simple coincidence or common influence.
He requested compensation of three million dollars for moral and financial damages, alleging mental anguish, humiliation, and damage to his reputation.
“Don't Be Shy” was one of Karol G and Tiësto's biggest hits,consolidating the Colombian artist's international projection and her ability to collaborate with global figures.