Kanye West Lawsuit 2012: Victory made 'Stronger' Thanks to Friedrich Nietzsche and Kelly Clarkson
Back in 2010, hip-hop artist Kanye West was sued by music producer Vincent Peters, who claimed West's 2006 hit "Stronger" was "very similar" to a tune that Peters had sent business associate John Monopoly. After a two year dispute, The Hollywood Reporter reports that the lawsuit has finally been dismissed in West's favor, and the "Gold Digger" star has philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and pop star Kelly Clarkson to thank for it.
After Peters' initial claim was dismissed by a federal judge in 2011, he soon after filed an appeal. In a fight against the appeal this time around, West's legal counsel referenced the popular phrase termed by classic German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche - "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" (a popular lyric in the song "Stronger").
Looks like 19th century philosophy sides with West in this case - the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals recently dropped the case against Kim K's current beau. The ruling states:
"Although the fact that both songs quote from a 19th century German philosopher might, at first blush, seem to be an unusual coincidence, West correctly notes that the aphorism has been repeatedly invoked in song lyrics over the past century."
Judge Diane Wood who presided over the case also referenced pop singer Kelly Clarkson in the hearing, stating that the American Idol winner's hit song "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" was also very similar to West's tune.
Looks like West can take a breather and go back to reorganizing Kim Kardashian's closet now.
Check out the entire case, Vincent Peters v. Kanye West, 11-1708 (7th Cir. 2012), here.
West's "Stronger" vs. Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)":