Mike Tyson Sued For Using JAY-Z, DMX, And Ja Rule Song To Promote Jake Paul Fight

Mike Tyson is being sued for allegedly using a song to promote a fight without permission. The track in question is JAY-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule’s song “Murdergram,” which was played in a social media clip about his Jake Paul fight that was posted on Tyson’s pages.

Filed on Thursday (Aug. 7), the new suit was brought by Ty Fyffe, the producer of the record. “Murdergram” was featured in JAY-Z’s 1998 film Streets Is Watching, and none of the three rappers or their reps are involved in the suit, per Billboard.

Although the alleged video has since been deleted from the legendary fighter’s page, Fyffe’s lawsuit includes screenshots of the post, including its caption: “You know what time it is #PaulTyson.”

“Neither plaintiff nor any of his representatives granted defendant Tyson permission to use the song title ‘Murdergram’ to promote his boxing match with Jake Paul,” reads the filing. “By listing the song title ‘Murdergram’ on his Instagram post, defendant Tyson misled viewers to believe that plaintiff endorsed, or was affiliated or associated with, him and/or his participation in the match.”

The complaint argues the use of “Murdergram” played a part in helping drive viewership of the massive fight, which broke Netflix viewing records. It also alleges Tyson was fully aware of the producer’c copyright in the song. He is seeking a portion of Tyson’s earnings from the event and is requesting royalties for the use of the song.

“Defendant Tyson’s conduct was intentional, willful and with full knowledge of plaintiff’s copyright in the song,” says the complaint. “As a consequence of defendant Tyson’s infringement, plaintiff has suffered, and will continue to suffer, economic losses and damage to his copyright in the song.”

The bout took place on Nov. 15, 2024, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Paul won via unanimous decision. Check out highlights below.