Photo: WENN.com
Portishead have intensified their criticism of The Weeknd, posting a letter from The Weeknd's legal representatives on Twitter. See below.
The row first kicked off last year when The Weeknd's 'Belong to the World' single was released, which featured a similar stuttering beat to Portishead's 'Machine Gun'. After its release Geoff Barrow wrote on Twitter: "We usually give sample clearance to tunes we like. its got fuk all to do with money! As most of them are hiphop artist that are skint".
Hitting back at the accusations The Weeknd claimed that the samples weren't similar enough to warrant the copyright infringement. A statement that has now been disproven after Barrow posted a picture online of The Weeknd's legal representatives requesting the use of the sample.
Hey kids Part 1 of "No Infringement" @theweeknd pic.twitter.com/UWZqW193cS
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) May 5, 2014
The letter which is dated February 2013 is a clear indication that the singer did try and license the sample for use but was turned down. By tagging The Weeknd in the post Barrow is clearly highlighting he believes the sample was indeed taken without his permission.
Below: Portishead performing at Glastonbury
