Producer Dan Peled Denounces Copyright Claims Over Viral Song Katbam

Dan Peled, the music producer who collaborated with Nir Krigel on the viral hit song "Katbam," has publicly opposed the copyright claims made by Krigel's parents. Peled alleges that Krigel's parents pressured him to relinquish his rights and approached ACUM (the Israeli copyright association) to remove his name from the song credits. He stated that despite his significant contribution to the composition, arrangement, and production, his name was removed without his consent. Peled emphasized that millions of people who created videos and covers helped make the song viral, and suing small businesses during a difficult economic period is "greedy, piggish, and very low."

Peled recounted that before the legal disputes began, the song's usage rights were sold for a commercial campaign worth tens of thousands of shekels. When Krigel's parents, through lawyers, demanded Peled sign a waiver of his copyrights, he insisted on receiving 50% of the rights for the melody and production. After this, they ceased communication and instructed ACUM to remove his credits, although ACUM still lists him as a composer and producer. Peled clarified that while Krigel wrote some lyrics, the melody and final production were his work, which made the song a hit featured on popular shows like "Eretz Nehederet."

Peled expressed confusion over the parents' actions but speculated it might be linked to their extensive lawsuits against many small businesses, possibly to claim all the earnings themselves. He stated he never sought full rights but only a fair share and that if he receives any money from the lawsuits, he intends to donate it or return it to the sued businesses. For Peled, the issue is about justice and rightful recognition as a co-creator. He condemned the lawsuits against small businesses, especially during a tough post-war economic climate, calling them excessive and disgraceful.