Remember that support video for MegaUpload with all the A-List stars? It’s been yanked from the Internet because according to Universal’s DMCA request, New Zealand artist Meg Gin Wigmore didn’t consent to involvement in the project. There were also rumours that Will.i.am issued his own DMCA for the video. Turns out it’s all bullshit.
In his lawsuit against Universal, MegaUpload owner Kim Dotcom argues that not only did Universal hold any rights to the video, but that Gin Witmore was never involved in the project — either in the final cut (which you could have seen if Universal had not had it pulled) or at any point during the production. Her vocals were briefly considered but the production team went with Macy grey instead.
There was also the Hollywood Reporter article earlier in the week stating that Will.i.am’s attorney issued a DMCA of his own. According to Dotcom, he spoke with Will.i.am and received his personal assurance that neither Will nor his representation issued anything of the sort. Dotcom explained in a statement, “On December 12, 2011, I spoke directly with will.i.am about this issue, and he personally advised me that he absolutely had not authorised the submission of any takedown notice on his behalf.” What’s more, MegaUpoload’s complaint asserts — and includes — licences from each star involved in the project.
So basically, if this evidence prooves to be true, it would mean that Universal has falsely filed a DMCA notice, which opens it to civil liability for damages — hence MegaUpload’s suit. And given that the production costs of the video alone reportedly topped $US3 million, this could end up getting rather costly for Universal. But, I suppose that’s the price of censorship. [Torrent Freak]