Ending a high-profile infringement case, a judge cites music experts who say the two tracks share only "Christmas tropes and commonplace words."
Joseph Strange, who worked for the star from 2007 to 2021, faces years in prison if convicted on the charges.
Henley, who helped launch Nipsey Hussle's career and is now considered a fugitive, has been accused of running a "mafia-like organization" in a sprawling RICO indictment.
Buzbee, who has filed more than 20 cases against Combs and fought a bitter battle with Jay-Z, says a dispute over his admission in court has "become a distraction."
The battle is far from over, but the ruling effectively revived the band's demand to void its contracts with the music giant — a central accusation in the blockbuster lawsuit.
The case, which claims Cyrus stole elements from the Mars song “When I Was Your Man," will move forward after a judge denies her motion to dismiss it.
In this week's Legal Beat, UMG hits back at Drake's defamation case, Live Nation loses an early battle with DOJ, Karol G faces infringement accusations and much more.
In its first court response to the lawsuit, the world's biggest music company didn't hold back.
Opening statements are expected to occur on May 12.
Rejecting a bid to narrow the huge antitrust case, a judge refused to toss a claim that Live Nation exploits its network of amphitheaters to pressure artists into promotion deals.
