Fan Chengcheng’s camp is now threatening legal action against those who accused him of plagiarising fellow singer Xu Minghao (aka The8) following the release of his English-debut song, “Skyfall”.
In a statement released by his legal representative, Shanghai Jiuze Law Firm, it stated that it has preserved evidence of infringement and will pursue legal action in relation to users of online platforms who have continuously published allegedly defamatory and false information about the singer with the intention of discrediting and maligning him.
“Based on the materials provided by the Client and the information expressly communicated to the Firm, a large amount of seriously false information targeting Mr. Fan Chengcheng’s work Skyfall has appeared on online platforms. Some accounts have fabricated and widely circulated rumours of “plagiarism” through malicious editing, splicing together footage and deliberately conflating different concepts, causing serious harm to Mr. Fan Chengcheng’s reputation and his creative team,” it stated.
The firm also stated that the title “Skyfall” is not an exclusive or proprietary term, and the fact that the works share the same title is purely coincidental.
“The Client and its overseas production team had never previously encountered or had access to the other party’s similar works. The claims of “plagiarism” circulating online are malicious fabrications. The public is urged not to pass judgement before the facts have been properly examined.”
The legal firm then named several Sina Weibo users who have slandered Fan regarding the issue, saying they are seeking an order requiring the relevant online platforms to disclose the real-name identity information of the users involved.
“Once the real-name identities of these online users have been legally established, our firm, acting under the authorisation of our client, will bring further legal proceedings against them and ask the court to order the users concerned to bear legal liability for the infringement, including issuing a public apology, paying compensation for emotional distress and covering all costs incurred in protecting our client’s rights,” the law firm added.
(Photo Source: Fan ChengCheng IG, Xu Minghao IG, CEN)