SA man claims Elton John stole lyrics
2012-05-05 22:30
Johannesburg - A Cape Town photographer has filed papers with an American court, claiming that Sir Elton John plagiarised his song lyrics, the Sunday Times reported.
Guy Hobbs plans to sue John, lyricist Bernie Taupin and their company Big Pig Music because their song 'Nikita' contained similar lyrics to a song he wrote called 'Natasha'.
Hobbs said he waited more than 25 years to take the matter to court because he hoped the pair would offer him a settlement.
He also claimed he first heard the 1985 hit song in 2001.
Hobbs said he sent his lyrics to a number of music publishers, including Big Pig, in 1984.
He said he could prove the authenticity of his claim because he kept an unopened registered letter of the work he sent to himself in May and November 1983.
A spokesperson for John and Taupin said Hobbs claim was unfounded.
"In short, the suit is completely meritless. The fact that Hobbs has chosen 26 years after the release of Nikita to bring this lawsuit calls his motives into question."