Eden Ben Zaken and Noa Kirel Face Legal Threat Over Copyright Claims on Hit Song

About two months ago, Israeli singers Eden Ben Zaken and Noa Kirel released a duet titled "Ani Meshakeret?" (Am I Lying?), which quickly became a hit. The song was co-written and composed by Ben Zaken, Kirel, Ron Biton, May Spadia, Almog Krian, and Yinon Yahel. Shortly after its release, social media users noted striking similarities between the song and a viral TikTok trend led by Egyptian tour guides Samah Alshar'i and Mostafa Siam. The Egyptian duo gained popularity with videos featuring a catchy tune and humorous lines about relationships, ending with the punchline "Am I lying? No, no." This simple format amassed millions of views across Arab social networks.

Now, Ben Zaken and Kirel have received a legal warning letter from attorney Tal Perlman, representing Alshar'i, Siam, and composer Mohamed Eirab Al-Saini. The letter alleges that "Ani Meshakeret?" is a substantial copy of their original work, including melody, structure, lyrics, and other musical elements. The claimants state they were neither granted permission to use their creation nor credited or compensated. They demand recognition of their rights and a share of the song's economic benefits within seven days, threatening legal action if negotiations do not commence.

No response has been provided yet by Eden Ben Zaken or Noa Kirel regarding the allegations or the warning letter. The case highlights ongoing issues of intellectual property rights in the music industry amid viral social media trends.