Iconic French singer and artist Amanda Lear is calling out Miley Cyrus over what she says is a striking resemblance between Cyrus’ new song “Redlights” and her 1978 disco track “The Sphinx.”
Lear first raised the accusation Sunday on Instagram, addressing Cyrus directly with asarcastic message reading: “Thank you, Miley, for copying my song ‘The Sphinx’! I’m flattered!” She also added hashtags referring to the song as a “ripoff” and “copycat.”
“Redlights” appears on Cyrus’ new album Bass Persuades, released last Friday, September 18. According to Lear, the melody and rhythm of the track closely mirror those of “The Sphinx,” which appeared on her 1978 album Never Trust a Pretty Face. The songs have noticeably different tempos, but comparisons between the two tracks have circulated since Lear’s post.
Lear told Agence France-Presse that she was alerted to the similarities by fans and brought the matter to her producer and record label. Universal and the song’s publishers, she said, are seeking formal recognition of the alleged plagiarism. “I’ve never been litigious,” Lear told AFP, emphasizing that she had not threatened Cyrus with legal action. “I simply pointed out the situation by thanking Miley Cyrus and adding that I was flattered.”
Lear has previously identified Cyrus as one of the younger artists who inherited her influence, alongside Rihanna and Beyoncé. She has also said that she knows Cyrus is a fan of her work.
For now, there has been no public response from Cyrus or her representatives, and no legal finding that “Redlights” infringes on “The Sphinx.” A musical resemblance, even a substantial one, does not by itself establish copyright infringement.
It’s not the first time Miley is involved in copyright disputes. She was previously sued by Bruno Mars’ team for for her song “Flowers”, as well as by Jamaican artist Flourgon for her song “We Can’t Stop”.
