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Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Ex-Eminem employee charged with leaking rapper's unreleased music
A former employee of Grammy-winning rapper Eminem has been charged in connection with leaking the rapper's unreleased music online, according to The Hollywood Reporter. According to the publication, US Attorney Julie Beck said Joseph Strange who worked for the artist from 2007 to 2021, faces serious charges, including criminal infringement of copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The charges stem from an investigation that began in January. An employee at Eminem's studio in Ferndale, Michigan, discovered unreleased music by the rapper being sold on various websites. The FBI was contacted after the employee recognised the music as being taken directly from a hard drive at the studio. The tracks, which the rapper was still working on, were listed for sale, according to The Hollywood Reporter, leading to an investigation by law enforcement. The FBI's efforts to track down those who had purchased the leaked music eventually led them to Strange, who was identified as the seller of the tracks. "Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others," said US Attorney Julie Beck in a statement. If convicted of criminal infringement of a copyright, Strange could face up to five years in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000 (Dh918,253). Additionally, he could face up to 10 years in prison for the charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods. Following the completion of the investigation, officials will decide whether to seek a felony indictment, as a criminal complaint cannot be tried for felony charges. Special agents from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency have been working on the case, with FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasising the importance of protecting intellectual property, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "This investigation underscores the FBI's commitment to safeguarding artists' intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally," Gibson said, adding, "Thanks to the cooperation of Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents were able to swiftly enforce federal laws and ensure Joseph Strange was held accountable for his actions." Eminem, who released new music last year, including the album The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace), continues to make waves in the music industry. The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album at the 2025 ceremony, and his single Houdini was nominated for both Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eminem's Former Employee Charged With Leaking Rapper's Music
A former employee of Eminem has been charged with leaking the rapper's music online. Joseph Strange, who worked for the Grammy-winning rapper from 2007 to 2021, has been charged with criminal infringement of a copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods in connection with the sale of Eminem's unreleased music, according to U.S. attorney Julie Beck. More from The Hollywood Reporter On 'Hot,' K-Pop Stars Le Sserafim Explore Love and Perseverance: "We Are Going to Give Our All" Ed Sheeran Teases New Single "Azizam," First New Album Since 2023 How to Stream 'Opry 100: A Live Celebration' Online for Free On Jan. 16, the FBI was contacted by an employee at Eminem's — real name Marshall Mathers — studio in Ferndale, Michigan, after they found the 'Houdini' artist's unreleased music that he was still working on listed for sale on various websites, according to the criminal complaint. 'The employees recognized this as an image taken directly from a hard drive in the Ferndale studio,' the news release stated. The FBI eventually tracked down those who purchased Eminem's unreleased music and they identified Strange as the seller. 'Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others,' Beck said in a statement. If convicted of criminal infringement of a copyright, Strange faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. As for the charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods, he could face a maximum of 10 years in prison. A trial cannot be held on felony charges in a criminal complaint, so following an investigation, officials will determine whether to seek a felony indictment. Special agents of the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency are investigating the case. 'This investigation underscores the FBI's commitment to safeguarding artists' intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally,' said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. 'Thanks to the cooperation of Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents from the Oakland County Resident Agency were able to swiftly enforce federal laws and ensure Joseph Strange was held accountable for his actions.' Eminem returned with new music last year, including his album The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) which earned a Grammy nomination for best rap album at the 2025 ceremony. His single 'Houdini' was also nominated for best rap performance and best music video. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
