Drake faces a copyright infringement lawsuit alleging that the chorus of “Janice STFU” was copied from a demo. The songwriter bringing the case seeks damages, profits and songwriting credit.
Songwriter and producer Aviel Calev Hirschfield, who records as GoodbyeCalev, filed the lawsuit on October 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The defendants named in the lawsuit are:
- Drake
- OVO Sound
- UMG Recordings
- Universal Music Publishing
Complaint traces chorus to January demo
Hirschfield alleges he wrote and recorded the chorus in January 2026, then sent it to producers in Drake’s creative circle months before the song’s release.
Those recipients included Michael “Finatik” Mulé and Isaac “Zac” De Boni, the production duo FnZ, according to the complaint.
Hirschfield says he heard “Janice STFU” after the May release of Drake’s album Iceman and was shocked by what he alleges was his chorus being performed by Drake.
The complaint describes the choruses as “literally identical” in lyrics, melody and cadence.
Hirschfield previously shared songwriting credits with Drake on “Heated,” a track on Beyoncé’s album Renaissance.
Drake’s representatives reject allegations
Drake’s representatives said the claims are “categorically, unequivocally, and completely denied” and called the lawsuit a “manufactured and baseless attempt” to exploit his fame.
Their statement also said: “Drake wrote this song and has no connection or knowledge of this person.”
