Dean song dispute: 3 Essential Facts in a Troubling Case
The Dean song dispute centers on a copyright lawsuit alleging that Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It” copies elements of “Just the Two of Us.” Billboard reported the filing Oct. 1. The allegations come from Mattie Music Group, not a court ruling, and Dean herself is not named as a defendant.
3 facts about the Dean song dispute
1. The lawsuit targets music companies
Billboard’s report on the complaint identifies Mattie Music, which owns Withers’ catalog, as the plaintiff. The case names Dean’s label, Universal Music Group’s Capitol Records, and Sony Music Publishing. It also names Kobalt, publisher for her co-writer Max Wolfgang. Wolfgang is not a defendant, either.
2. Similarity is the plaintiff’s allegation
Mattie Music says it commissioned musicologist Alexander Stewart to compare the songs. According to Billboard, the complaint cites his analysis in alleging similarities in melody and other protected musical expression.
The Dean song dispute remains an allegation-based story. An expert hired by a plaintiff is presenting that party’s case; his reported assessment should not be described as a judicial finding or independent verdict.
3. The responses are attributed to Billboard
Billboard said representatives for UMG, Sony and Dean had not responded to its requests for comment when the report appeared. Kobalt declined to comment. Those are Billboard’s reporting efforts, not interviews conducted by Total Apex Entertainment.
The recordings behind the case
“I’ve Seen It” appears on Dean’s second album, “The Art of Loving.” The Recording Academy lists Dean as the 2026 best new artist winner, providing context for the attention around her work.
“Just the Two of Us,” performed by Grover Washington Jr. with Bill Withers, won the songwriting award for best rhythm and blues song at the 1982 Grammys. The credited songwriters were Withers, Ralph MacDonald and William Salter.
The cited report does not establish a hearing date or outcome for the Dean song dispute. Follow our music news and entertainment coverage for related reporting.