Firm demands royalties after Perry uses Beach Boys lyric

Katy Perry is in trouble for using a lyric made famous by The Beach Boys.

The 25-year-old singer used the phrase “I wish they all could be California Girls” in her single ‘California Gurls’ – a tribute to the band’s hit ‘California Girls’ – but now Rondor Music are demanding royalties as they own the rights to the track.

Although they denied they are suing Katy and her record label Capitol, a spokesperson insists the firm need to protect the rights of members Brian Wilson and Mike Love, who penned the track in 1965.

The spokesperson said: “In regard to the various rumours circulating, we would like to make it clear that there is no lawsuit against the writers or publishers of ‘California Gurls’.

“Using the words or melody in a new song taken from an original work is not appropriate under any circumstances, particularly one as well known and iconic as ‘California Girls’. Rondor Music, who publishes the works of Brian Wilson and Mike Love, is committed to protecting the rights of its artists and songwriters, and with the support of the writers, that is exactly what we are doing.”

Speaking about the offending line – which is performed by Snoop Doog – Katy tweeted: “Just to be clear... no one is suing anyone.”

A spokesperson for Brian said he wasn’t involved with the legal process and is actually a fan of Katy’s song.

The spokesperson said: “He likes Katy’s song and doesn’t know where the situation stands.”

A representative for Mike added: “Any legal action is up to Rondor.”