X Factor's Ashley plans to sue paper over free downloads (From Croydon Guardian)

X Factor's Ashley plans to sue paper over free downloads

1:24pm Friday 8th August 2008 in

By Matthew Knowles »

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X Factor finalist Ashley McKenzie is planning legal action against the Croydon Advertiser after it allowed fans to download his debut single for free.

Ashley accused the newspaper group of ‘destroying his debut single’ after it put a review only version of Deep in Love on its web-site.

The pop singer, who lives with his mum in Selhurst, released the single last Monday.

His manager Anthony Marsh from Frank Records, has contacted lawyers this morning and intends to sue the newspaper.

“The newspaper has no right to put this single on to its website as an MP3 which effectively allows anyone to download it for free.”
Anthony Marsh, Ashley's manager

He said: “It is a very, very serious issue. We have talked to lawyers Steels Law Solicitors this morning and we are looking at a range of issues including breach of copyright, loss of earnings and licensing and distribution issues.

“We sent out this single to media outlets for review purposes only. We never allowed anyone to put it up online to be downloaded.

“Ashley told me ‘I can’t believe they have destroyed my debut single’. He is livid.

“The newspaper has no right to put this single on to its website as an MP3 which effectively allows anyone to download it for free.”

Although the newspaper has now taken down Ashley’s record from its website, a spokesman for the Croydon Advertiser said: “Ashley McKenzie’s management sent us the song on the understanding it would be put up on our website, so we are surprised they are now threatening legal action.”

Comments(12)

Chloe says...
2:42pm Fri 8 Aug 08

I think it's a bit dramatic to say it's been destroyed.

I mean, how many people actually downloaded it? Not a huge number I would think? And the people who have downloaded it will be from his local area and obviously want to support him!

If anything I would look at this as good publicity for the single. The fact that Ashley is so upset about this make me think he's only in the business for the cash, which I doubt is the case, the kid's got talent!