Four songs released by Lola Young are at the center of a legal dispute alleging that producer Carter Lang claimed unearned songwriting credits on the tracks. According to BBC, the case filed in London was initiated by the signer-songwriter’s lawyers, who said, “It is with immense disappointment, especially given recent events, that we have had no choice but to respond to recent writing credit claims from Carter Lang on four Lola Young songs by issuing legal proceedings on her behalf.”
The recent events likely refer to Young announcing last week that she would be “going away for a while.” The 24-year-old collapsed onstage during a performance at All Things Go and subsequently canceled all upcoming shows and events for the “foreseeable future.” In a statement, she wrote, “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”
Lang worked with Young on her breakout single “Messy,” which appeared on her second studio album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway released in June 2024. He is credited on “Messy” and “Good Books” as a producer, and on “Crush” as a songwriter. His other collaborators include Justin Bieber, SZA, Reneé Rapp, and more artists.
“Lola has always been authentic in her songwriting process and acknowledges songwriting contributions where appropriate,” Young’s lawyers said. “This dispute has been ongoing for several months and we look forward to the truth being established.”
A rep for Lang and a rep for Young did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s requests for comment.
Last month, Young released her third studio album, I’m Only F**king Myself. Lang also worked on this record. He is credited as a songwriter and producer on “One Thing,” “Post Sex Clarity,” and “Not Like That Anymore.” He is credited solely as a producer on “Walk All Over You.” Lang’s credits appear alongside Young’s other collaborators including Jared Solomon, or Solomonophonic, and Manuka.
The four songs that led to the legal action have not been specified. “Carter’s claims are strongly refuted and we will not allow Lola’s reputation and integrity to be called into question — particularly so long after the sessions took place and agreements were put in place,” Young’s lawyers said.
