Olivia Dean Accused of Plagiarism in Bill Withers Copyright Lawsuit 2026

Olivia Dean has been accused of plagiarism in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed on Thursday in US federal court in Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleges that Dean's track I've Seen It stole substantial aspects of Bill Withers' 1981 classic Just the Two of Us, a collaboration with Grover Washington Jr. that reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 and recently found new life on TikTok.

The Plagiarism Allegations Against Olivia Dean

Mattie Music Group, which owns the rights to Withers' back catalogue, filed the lawsuit against Dean, a fellow Grammy winner. The group claims that I've Seen It copies the "distinctively protectable melody" and other key elements of Just the Two of Us. According to the lawsuit, representatives of the plaintiff listened to I've Seen It multiple times in early August 2026 and concluded that it copied a large and significant part of the original work.

To support their claim, Mattie Music Group hired musicologist Alexander Stewart to analyze the two songs. Stewart reportedly concluded that the works contain substantial similarities in protectable musical expression, and that the number, character, and arrangement of shared musical features are so striking that they suggest the similarities did not result from coincidence.

Comparing the Two Songs

Below is a comparison of the key elements of Just the Two of Us and I've Seen It:

Key Takeaways from the Lawsuit

• The lawsuit was filed by Mattie Music Group, owner of Bill Withers' back catalogue.
• Musicologist Alexander Stewart found substantial similarities in protectable musical expression.
• The plaintiff claims the similarities are too striking to be coincidental.
• Olivia Dean has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

Potential Impact on Olivia Dean's Career

This lawsuit could have significant implications for Olivia Dean's career. If the court finds in favor of Mattie Music Group, Dean may be required to pay damages and could face an injunction against further distribution of I've Seen It. Additionally, the case could damage her reputation as a songwriter, especially given the high-profile nature of the song she is accused of copying.

However, plagiarism lawsuits in the music industry are often complex and can take years to resolve. Dean's legal team will likely argue that the similarities are not substantial enough to constitute infringement or that they are common musical elements not protected by copyright.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of travel bag, gift ideas, tee gifts tournaments, overhead launch monitor, and lead acid cart batteries. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of hitting strip simulator, mats simulators, accessories seniors, budget hitting mat, and affordable mat. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.