3 days ago
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Asks Her Attorneys to Help Her in the Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Kimberly Marasco, the Florida artist suing Taylor Swift for copyright infringement, asked Swift's legal team if they would accept service of the lawsuit on Swift's behalf.
Marasco made the request in a motion filed Friday after facing persistent difficulties in locating Swift and being notified that the Florida secretary of state's office was backed up with service requests.
Newsweek reached out to Marasco and a representative for Swift for comment.
Why It Matters
Marasco's inability to serve Swift could result in the lawsuit being dismissed or having Swift dropped from it. In a previous lawsuit, Judge Aileen Cannon agreed to drop Swift as a defendant because Marasco was unable to properly serve her.
If Swift is dropped from the suit, Cannon may allow the lawsuit to proceed with the other defendants, which is what she decided in a previous suit.
Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24.
Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24.
Press Association via AP Images
What To Know
Marasco reported months of unsuccessful attempts using process servers and sheriffs in multiple states to locate and serve Swift with legal documents. Efforts included visits to properties associated with Swift in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island.
Security personnel at a California residence denied access to process servers, while a Tennessee sheriff confirmed property ownership but stated Swift did not reside there. In Rhode Island, authorities told a process server they would face arrest for trespassing if they attempted service again.
When conventional means failed, Marasco attempted to serve Swift via the Florida secretary of state. This form of substituted service is permitted for defendants who conduct business in the state of Florida, provided that the procedural requirements are met.
However, Marasco indicated to the court that the secretary of state's office was experiencing a substantial backlog, further delaying her efforts.
Marasco said in an email submitted into court records that she had sent a request for waiver of service via email and certified mail to one of Swift's attorneys, James Douglas Baldridge, on March 28. Marasco asked Swift's attorneys to confirm whether he received the communications in the May 27 email.
Katherine Wright Morrone, an attorney for Swift, responded by saying they were not authorized to accept the subpoena on the singer's behalf and informed Marasco that they would oppose her motion.
Marasco's suit alleges Swift, collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, Universal Music Group, and Republic Records infringed on her poetry in lyrics and visuals from multiple albums, including Lover, Folklore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department. Marasco is seeking $25 million in damages.
Swift's attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations in the current and previous lawsuit, arguing for dismissal and noting that Marasco's claims are unsupported and, in many instances, time-barred under federal copyright law.
What People Are Saying
Kimberly Marasco, in a motion filed Friday: "Plaintiff diligently attempted to serve Defendant Taylor Swift, a high-profile individual with extensive security measure, but personal service has proven impracticable."
James Douglas Baldridge and Katie Wright Morrone, in a memorandum filed May 20: "In what is now Plaintiff's second frivolous lawsuit against Artist, Plaintiff has again failed to perfect service. Instead, Plaintiff asks the court for a range of relief without meeting any of the required burdens to show it is warranted."
What Happens Next
Cannon has yet to rule on Marasco's latest motion.
Cannon set June 15 as the deadline for Marasco to serve Swift. The court has ordered all defendants not to respond until everyone has been properly served.
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