Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is facing a $20 million lawsuit over his hit "Photograph," the BBC reported Wednesday.
According to the report, songwriters Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard claim Sheeran's song has a similar composition and structure to a song they wrote in 2009, "Amazing." That track was released by "X Factor" winner Matt Cardle in 2010.
"Given the striking similarity between the chorus of 'Amazing' and 'Photograph,' (the) defendants knew when writing, publishing, recording, releasing and distributing 'Photograph' that they were infringing on a pre-existing musical composition," the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit goes on to say that "the conduct of (the) defendants has been wilful from the inception of the creation of 'Photograph'" and "the copying of 'Amazing' by 'Photograph' is breathtaking in its deliberateness, magnitude and hubris."
According to USA Today, the lawsuit also names "Photograph" co-writer Johnny McDaid, Sony/ATV Songs, Polar Patrol Music, Nathan Cable Touring and Warner Music Group.
>> Click here to listen to "Photograph"
>> Click here to listen to "Amazing"
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