A group of artists have threatened to sue Warner Bros. over the lyrics to a song by country-pop group It, accusing the movie studio of trying to “influence” their music and have it used in ads.
In a letter sent to the movie company’s lawyers, artists like Hank Williams Jr. and Michael Jackson wrote that they are “deeply concerned” by the lyrics of the new track, which was featured in a movie released this week, “It’s A War,” which features a number of the group’s songs in the title.
The song is the first in a string of songs released in advance of the film, which stars Johnny Depp as a man who becomes a member of a mysterious organization called the Guardians of the Galaxy, led by “It.”
The group has been critical of the movie’s depiction of a black man’s imprisonment, including its depiction of his relationship with a woman named Gamora, played by Brie Larson.
It has also said that the movie makes the character of Peter Quill look like “a white, white savior.”
Williams, who wrote “It” himself, has also threatened to take his lawsuit to the court system, which he has threatened to file.
The musician wrote that he was “deepened” by what he saw in the movie and “finally felt that my life was worth something.”
Williams told Billboard that the Guardians would “never be the same” if they are not represented.
“We want to have the Guardians represented in the courtroom, but the Guardians are not going anywhere,” Williams wrote.
“If they are going to be represented, we want to be able to go to court to prove that.”
Williams and Jackson have not yet responded to Billboard’s requests for comment.
