Lola Young Embroiled in Legal Battle Over Songwriting Credits for Hit Single 'Messy'

British singer-songwriter Lola Young is pursuing legal action against producer Carter Lang, one of the collaborators on her chart-topping single "Messy," over a dispute regarding songwriting credits. The move comes shortly after Young cancelled all upcoming performances following a collapse on stage in New York.

The intellectual property claim, filed in London on Wednesday on behalf of Young and Sony Music Publishing, alleges that Lang is claiming writing credits on four of Young's songs – a claim that Young "strongly refutes."

Legal Action Follows Show Cancellations

The timing of the legal action is particularly sensitive, arriving just a day after Young announced the cancellation of all her shows "for the foreseeable future." The cancellation followed an on-stage collapse during a performance in New York, adding to the already complex situation.

"It is with immense disappointment, especially given recent events, that we have had no choice but to respond to recent writing credit claims from Carter Lang on four Lola Young songs by issuing legal proceedings on her behalf," a statement from Young's legal team stated. "Carter's claims are strongly refuted and we will not allow Lola's reputation and integrity to be called into question - particularly so long after the sessions took place and agreements were put in place."

'Messy' Success and the Songwriting Process

Lola Young, 24, experienced a meteoric rise to fame in late 2024 with the release of "Messy." The single spent four weeks at number one in the UK and currently ranks as the second most-streamed song of 2025 in the UK.

Her legal team emphasized the integrity of her songwriting process: "Lola has always been authentic in her songwriting process and acknowledges songwriting contributions where appropriate. This dispute has been ongoing for several months and we look forward to the truth being established."

Specific details about the four tracks in question remain undisclosed. Lang is credited as one of four producers on "Messy" and has collaborated with Young on other projects.

Carter Lang: A Producer in High Demand

Carter Lang rose to prominence through his work with R&B artist SZA and has since become a highly sought-after producer and writer, working with major artists such as Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Renee Rapp, and Rosé.

Historical Context: Songwriting Credit Disputes in the Music Industry

Disputes over songwriting credits are not uncommon in the music industry. The division of royalties and recognition for creative contributions can be a contentious issue, particularly in collaborative projects. Historically, these disputes have often involved lengthy and expensive legal battles, highlighting the complexities of intellectual property rights in music. The rise of streaming has further complicated the landscape, impacting how royalties are calculated and distributed.

Expert Perspective: The Nuances of Collaborative Songwriting

Dr. Emily Carter, a musicologist specializing in copyright law at the University of Oxford, notes that "Determining authorship in collaborative songwriting is rarely straightforward. It often involves assessing the specific contributions of each individual to the melody, lyrics, and overall arrangement. The legal system struggles to capture the often-intangible creative input that shapes a song." Dr. Carter highlights the importance of clear contractual agreements at the outset of collaborative projects to mitigate the risk of future disputes.

The Impact on Young's Career

The legal battle and recent health concerns present a significant challenge for Lola Young, who was rapidly establishing herself as a prominent voice in the UK music scene. The outcome of the dispute could have implications for her future earnings and creative control over her work.

Analytical Viewpoint: Reputation and Integrity

Entertainment lawyer, Mark Phillips, speaking generally about such cases, notes that "beyond the financial implications, these disputes can significantly impact an artist's reputation. Public perception of integrity and authenticity is crucial for long-term success in the music industry. A protracted legal battle can erode public trust, regardless of the final verdict."

The BBC has reached out to Carter Lang for comment but has not yet received a response. The legal proceedings are expected to continue in London in the coming months.