BTS’ hit single “Swim” is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit filed in California by three American songwriters. Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson allege the song substantially copies elements of an unpublished demo they previously wrote, also titled “Swim,” which they say was circulated to music industry contacts. Several reports say the plaintiffs argue that “Swim” is “copied in very large part” and that the similarities are “substantial.” The lawsuit names HYBE, HYBE America, and BigHit Music among the defendants, and it also lists some of the credited writers on “Swim,” including Ryan Tedder. BTS members are not named as defendants, though RM is credited as a writer on the track in the reports.
Hybe’s music subsidiary, BigHit Music, denies the allegations. The label calls the lawsuit one-sided and characterizes the claims as unilateral, stating that “Swim” is an independent, original creation. BigHit Music says it plans to respond through legal proceedings as the case proceeds through the U.S. court system.
