Rapper Blueface has been sued for copyright infringement over allegations that he illegally livestreamed Chrisean Rock’s recent pay-per-view boxing match to thousands of viewers.
Boxing promoter Skyy Myles and streaming provider BLK Prime Boxing allege in a federal lawsuit that Blueface broadcast Rock’s boxing debut on his verified Kick channel despite the fight being available exclusively through BLK Prime’s pay-per-view service for $29.99.
Rock fought Ku’Shiyah Williams in the bout and won the contest. According to the complaint, Blueface and music manager Wack 100 appeared on the rapper’s Kick channel during the event and streamed the fight for more than an hour without authorisation from the rights holders.
The plaintiffs allege that tens of thousands of people watched the unauthorised stream, potentially depriving the official broadcaster and promoter of pay-per-view revenue. The lawsuit further claims that Blueface acknowledged broadcasting the fight and linked his decision to a financial dispute involving Rock.
According to the filing, the rapper also allegedly encouraged viewers not to purchase the official pay-per-view broadcast and instead watch the fight through his stream for free. Rock’s attorney, Charles Lew, criticised the alleged conduct and said his clients intended to enforce their rights through the courts.
“In my entire career, I have never seen such a blatant and brazen disregard for copyright,” Lew said. “They didn’t just take our clients’ broadcast, they announced it live and told people not to pay. We look forward to the successful enforcement of our clients’ well-established rights.”
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in damages for alleged lost sales, profits and other earnings resulting from the stream. They are also seeking recovery of their legal fees.The claims remain allegations contained in a civil lawsuit, and no court finding establishing Blueface’s liability has been made. Representatives for Blueface had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the original report.