Producers of the recently-released Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, are facing a lawsuit for alleged unpaid licensing fees for the late singer’s music. According to Sony Music Entertainment, which oversees Houston’s music catalogue, a legal agreement was made for the film’s use of over 20 songs, but payments have not been made even though they were due in July 2023. The music giant is requesting approximately $3.6 million in damages, with companies named in the case including Anthem Films, NYBO Productions, and Black Label Media.
The news comes after the film’s release and promotion featured the movie’s cast and crew highlighting the biopic’s unique vision and reimagined approach to a music legend. Naomi Ackie, who played Houston in the film, spoke of the potential perils of taking on the role, given Houston’s impact on music over the years. Ackie confessed the role was daunting, stating how much she loved being in front of the camera and telling stories but felt alienated by the idea of becoming a major star. She added that “I know that by playing Whitney I’m potentially putting myself in the firing line”.
The film ends with a dazzling recreation of an iconic Houston performance, with the narrative device that takes us there feeling contrived, but the emotional payoff is satisfying. The 4-star review written by NME reads, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody isn’t as illuminating as it could be, but it still feels like a fitting tribute to a brave and complicated artist with a genuinely incredible gift.”
Last year, the Houston estate, which includes members of the late singer’s family, expressed disappointment over a joke made by Jerrod Carmichael at the Golden Globes. The estate considered the joke to be unnecessary, and it was made referencing the Beverly Hilton, where Houston died of drowning in a bathtub in February 2012
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