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Diddy Accused of Dangling Woman Off 17th Floor Balcony in New Case

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused in a new lawsuit of dangling a woman from the 17th-floor balcony of an apartment during an altercation.

 

The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by fashion designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan alleges the incident happened in 2016 while she was at the home of Mr Combs’ then-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.

It is the latest in more than two dozen lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of several offences, including sexual assault, drugging people, threatening witnesses and causing physical harm.

The music mogul is also facing federal charges in a racketeering and sex trafficking scheme. He has denied all the allegations, including the latest claim.

A representative told the BBC on Tuesday that he “firmly denies these serious allegations” in the new lawsuit and “remains confident they will ultimately be proven baseless”.

Ms Bongolan says she was spending the night Ms Ventura’s apartment when Mr Combs started shouting and banging on the front door, the lawsuit states.

After coming inside the home, Mr Combs allegedly confronted Ms Bongolan, who was on the balcony at the time. The lawsuit states he allegedly grabbed and molested her.

He then lifted her up and started dangling her from the balcony of the unit, the lawsuit alleges.

At the time of the incident, Ms Bongolan weighed about 100lb (45.3 kg), according to the lawsuit.

It claims Ms Bongolan “attempted to resist him, throwing her weight back in a desperate struggle to avoid being thrown to the ground and likely to her death”, but Mr Combs “easily overpowered her”.

The lawsuit states that Ms Ventura came outside to intervene, and Mr Combs allegedly pulled Ms Bongolan back over the ledge by slamming her onto patio furniture.

A representative for the rapper denied the allegations in a statement to the BBC on Tuesday.

“Anyone has the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of the evidence they may or may not have,” the statement reads, adding Mr Combs “has unwavering faith in the facts and in the fairness of the judicial process”.

It continues: “In court, the truth will come to light, demonstrating that the claims against Mr Combs are without merit.”

Ms Bongolan claims she did not and still does not know what provoked the alleged incident, according to the suit. She is seeking $10m (£7.89m) in damages from the rapper.

In the lawsuit, Ms Bongolan alleged that it was a “culmination of a series of threats, intimidation and violence that coloured many of Ms Bongolan’s interactions with Mr Combs from the day she met him”.

The allegations echo an incident noted in a separate lawsuit filed by Ms Ventura against Mr Combs.

That lawsuit – which was filed in 2023 and settled the day after – alleged abuse, rape and sex trafficking. It noted an episode at Ms Ventura’s apartment when Mr Combs “picked up one of Ms Ventura’s friends like a child and dangled the friend over the balcony”.

Ms Bongolan also alleges that she endured “terror and abuse” from Combs throughout their professional relationship, which began when the music mogul approached her to collaborate on projects such as a clothing line and album cover art.

Mr Combs is being held in jail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, after being denied bail three times by a judge.

‘Moana 2’ Shatters Records with $221 Million in Ticket Sales

Christmas came early at the box office this year. Moana 2 brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221m in ticket sales, according to studio estimates.

 

That, combined with Wicked and Gladiator II, made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas.

Expectations had been high for Disney’s Moana 2, but the film’s five-day opening set a new record for Thanksgiving weekend. (The previous best was $125m for Frozen 2 in its second week of release in 2019.)

Moana 2 added $165.3m internationally; with $386m worldwide, it’s the second-best global launch of the year.

At the same time, Wicked showed no signs of slowing down. The Universal Pictures musical brought in $117.5m over the five-day weekend, pushing its two-week global total to $359.2m. Wicked is now the highest grossing Broadway adaptation over Grease.

(The latter film grossed $190m on its release in 1978, but factoring in inflation would put it past $900m.) Gladiator II also held well, dipping 44% from its opening weekend.

Ridley Scott’s sequel to his Oscar-winning original collected $44million in its second weekend. While its steep price tag of $250m will make profitability challenging, Gladiator II has made $320m worldwide.

Those three films drove the overall box office to a record $420m in overall Thanksgiving weekend ticket sales, according to Comscore – over $100m ahead of the previous best, $315m in 2018.

For an industry that has been battered in recent years by the pandemic, work stoppages and the upheaval caused by streaming, it was a triumphant weekend that showed the still-potent power of Hollywood’s blockbuster machine.

Before Wicked, Moana 2 and Gladiator II, ticket sales were running about 25% behind pre-pandemic levels.

Michael O’Leary, president and chief executive of the National Association of Theatre Owners, said: “We’re very optimistic that this weekend is the start of what we believe is a full-on charge into the future,” he said.

“The remaining quarter of this year looks very promising and then on into 2025 and 2026. We’re hoping next year is the first kind of normal year this industry has had in a long time.”

“For a long, long time in Hollywood, there’s been a belief that you don’t put big blockbuster movies up against each other,” O’Leary added. “But the truth of the matter is that competition is good.

It’s good for the movies. It’s good for the studios. It’s good for the theatre owners. But it’s particularly good for the movie-going public.”

Moana 2 was the nexus of a strategy shift for Disney. When it first began development, it was designed as a series for streaming.

But when Bob Iger returned as chief executive, he reconsidered the balance between theatrical and streaming and in February he announced the release of Moana 2, with Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returning as the voices of Moana and Maui.

It has helped lead a resurgence for The Walt Disney Company, whose last two animated November releases – Strange World and Wish – fizzled in theatres. Moana 2 may become the third billion-grossing movie for the studio in 2024, after Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.

Unplugged Coca-Cola Food Fest: The Ultimate Year-End Celebration

Unplugged and Coca-Cola are wrapping up 2024 in spectacular fashion with the final edition of the Unplugged Coca-Cola Food Fest.

 

This electrifying fusion of music and food will take over the First Capital Bank Sports Club in Mount Pleasant, Harare, on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. With its vibrant mix of live performances, delicious food, this event promises to ignite the festive spirit.

Fans are in for an exclusive treat as Sha Sha performs her latest single, “Ndawana” a collaboration with Kelvin Momo, live in Zimbabwe for the very first time.

This track, a soulful Amapiano anthem, has been lighting up airwaves in South Africa and her live rendition is sure to be a highlight of the night.

Joining Sha Sha on stage is the legendary Ex-Q, a household name in Zimbabwean music, known for his ability to connect with fans through timeless hits.

Rising star Saintfloew, famed for his smash hit “Silas Mavende,” will be making his Unplugged debut, adding fresh energy to the mix. Completing the dynamic artist lineup are Tyree and Wowrae.

A trio of Zimbabwe’s top DJs DJ Rimo, DJ Fujee, and DJ TK Beats, are set to keep the crowd moving with their high-energy sets. From Amapiano to Afrobeats, the music will set the tone for an unforgettable festive season celebration.

As the “Food Fest” name suggests, the event isn’t just about music. Attendees will have access to variety of delicious dishes, from traditional Zimbabwean cuisine to global flavours. This festival is the ultimate spot for food lovers to indulge while enjoying great vibes.

Whether you are a longtime Unplugger or new to the scene, this is the perfect way to kick off your festive season.

Dynamos Overcome Early Setback to Secure Chibuku Super Cup Glory

The Chibuku Super Cup final provided some exciting fun before the country’s biggest cup final and the season’s last match.

 

Sungura King Alick Macheso delivered a splendid performance, while Nyau dancers provided a vibrant spectacle around the trophy, setting the stage for an unforgettable afternoon of football.

The fans turned out in droves, creating an electric atmosphere as Dynamos emerged victorious after a penalty shootout.

However, Dynamos appeared to be on the verge of surrendering the trophy to Madamburo after Ngezi’s Obriel Chirinda scored a stunning volley in the 23rd minute, giving Ngezi the early lead.

For much of the match, Ngezi controlled the game and looked poised to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2016.

Nyau dancers providing a spectacle around the trophy. Picture by: Symbolic Photoghraphy

Yet, the Lloyd Chigowe-coached Dynamos side demonstrated their resilience, especially on their home turf at Rufaro Stadium.

With just 12 minutes remaining, Ghanaian import Frederick Ansah-Botchway struck a powerful shot from outside the box to equalise for Dynamos, forcing the match into extra time.

Neither team could find the winner in the 30 minutes of extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.

Dynamos, having faced penalties frequently in the Chibuku Super Cup, brought valuable experience to the contest. They had previously triumphed over both Yadah FC and Manica Diamonds in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, via penalties.

This experience proved crucial as all four of their penalty takers—Frank Makarati, Temptation Chiwunga, Eli Illunga, and Issa Sadiki—successfully converted their kicks.

Martine Mapisa proved to be the difference by saving two of Ngezi’s penalty kicks.

With a 4-2 victory in the shootout, Dynamos not only defended their title in the Chibuku Super Cup knockout tournament but also secured a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for the second consecutive year.

Jackie Ngarande to Participate in African Union’s S.W.A.P. Event Focused on Redefining Masculinity

The founder of the African Women Empowerment Circle, a community storytelling platform, and transformational speaker, Ms. Jackie Ngarande, has been invited to participate in the African Union’s “Spearhead Socials With A Purpose” (S.W.A.P.) event in Ghana.

 

The event is scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024, in Accra.

S.W.A.P. is a dynamic initiative designed to foster meaningful conversations in a relaxed, social environment, encouraging open and honest exchanges.

Ms. Ngarande, along with other influential leaders, rising stars, and respected public figures, will gather to explore “Afromantality” — an African-centered framework for masculinity that emphasizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and community responsibility.

The second edition of the event, themed “Afromantality Night,” will focus on engaging African men in transformative, intergenerational dialogues about positive masculinity and personal growth.

The event aligns with International Men’s Month, Youth Month, and serves as a precursor to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Ms. Jackie Ngarande expressed her gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed her commitment to community work.

“I’m deeply honoured to accept this invitation from the African Union. Being part of the S.W.A.P. initiative not only inspires me but also invigorates my commitment to empowering our communities. Together, we can foster positive change, uplift those around us, and create a brighter future for all,” she said.

Founder of the African Women Empowerment Circle, Ms. Jackie Ngarande

She also highlighted her continued dedication to creating spaces that uplift voices and transform communities.

“As the founder of the African Women Empowerment Circle, I am committed to creating spaces that uplift voices and encourage transformative change. I am excited to share insights and learn from fellow leaders as we explore the immense potential of positive masculinity,” she added.

“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it’s vital that we not only advocate for change but also engage men as allies in this fight. The S.W.A.P. event is a powerful step toward building a more equitable society.”

As part of the panel, Ms. Jackie Ngarande will speak on the power of storytelling in her work and how stories from African women can contribute to reshaping the narrative of masculinity and its impact on the next generation.

She will also share how the African Women Empowerment Circle has uplifted marginalized women and girls and emphasize the roles men and boys can play in dismantling gender-based violence and promoting gender equality across Africa.

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 nominees announced

FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.

 

Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners.

Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.

The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.

The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11.

They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.

The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality.

To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.

Voting is open on FIFA.com until 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. The rules of allocation for all awards are available at the FIFA Digital Hub.

 

The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees

  • Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
  • Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
  • Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
  • Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
  • Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
  • Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
  • Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
  • Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
  • Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
  • Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
  • Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
  • Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
  • Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
  • Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
  • Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
  • Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit

 

The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees

  • Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
  • Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
  • Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
  • Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
  • Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
  • Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
  • Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
  • Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
  • Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
  • Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
  • Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid

 

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees

  • Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
  • Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
  • Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
  • Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
  • Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
  • Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
  • Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
  • Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea

 

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees

  • Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
  • Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
  • Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
  • Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
  • Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen

 

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees

  • Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
  • Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
  • Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
  • Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
  • Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain

 

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees

  • Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
  • David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
  • Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
  • Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
  • Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
  • Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club

Zimbabwe fall short as Pakistan clinch ODI series

Pakistan sealed the three-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 99-run victory at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Pakistan – 303-6 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 103, Abdullah Shafique 50, Mohammad Rizwan 37; Sikandar Raza 2/47, Richard Ngarava 2/55, Faraz Akram 1/63)

Zimbabwe – 204 all out in 40.1 overs (Craig Ervine 51, Brian Bennett 37, Sean Williams 24; Aamer Jamal 2/19, Saim Ayub 2/29, Haris Rauf 2/34)

Despite a valiant 51 from Craig Ervine, the hosts faltered in their chase of 304, folding for 204 in the 41st over.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Kamran Ghulam’s maiden ODI century and a solid half-century from Abdullah Shafique.

Openers Saim Ayub and Shafique set the tone early, putting on 58 runs before Ayub (31) fell to a sharp catch on the square-leg boundary off Faraz Akram’s bowling.

Shafique, who scored 50 off 68, anchored the innings until his dismissal at 112, leg-before to Sikandar Raza.

The real acceleration began with Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan’s 89-run partnership for the third wicket.

Rizwan contributed 37 before falling to Raza in the 40th over.

Ghulam’s brilliant 103 off 99 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, pushed Pakistan past the 300-run mark, with the final 10 overs yielding nearly 100 runs.

Raza, with two wickets for 47 runs, and Richard Ngarava, two for 55, were Zimbabwe’s standout bowlers.

Facing a formidable target of 304, Zimbabwe’s innings began poorly.

In the third over, Ayub claimed the wickets of Joylord Gumbie (5) and Dion Myers (4) in quick succession, reducing the hosts to 10 for two.

Ervine then steadied the innings with a gritty 51 off 63 balls, supported briefly by Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sean Williams, both contributing 24.

Ervine’s dismissal at 123 in the 26th over, dragging a delivery from Aamer Jamal onto his stumps, marked a turning point.

At 130 for six, with Raza dismissed for 16, Zimbabwe’s hopes dimmed.

Brian Bennett provided a late spark with an aggressive 37 off 27 balls, but his efforts, along with Clive Madande’s 20, were insufficient.

The lower order offered brief resistance, with Richard Ngarava (17) contributing a few bold hits, but the innings ended at 204 in the 41st over.

Pakistan secured the series by two victories to one after Zimbabwe won the opening match on Sunday.

Pamuzinda Drops a New Anthem: “Jah Army” Featuring Ninja Lipsy & RayKay

Pamuzinda Band, one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic musical groups, has unveiled their latest single, “Jah Army,” a vibrant call to unity and resilience.

 

This genre-bending anthem, recorded at DJ Tamuka Studios, brings together Zimdancehall icon Ninja Lipsy and rising hip-hop sensation RayKay for an unforgettable musical journey.

“Jah Army” is more than just a song; it’s a movement. Infused with the pulsating rhythms of traditional Zimbabwean music, reggae, and hip-hop, the track speaks to the heart of Pamuzinda’s mission: celebrating heritage while challenging musical norms.

With its driving beats and uplifting lyrics, the song inspires listeners to join a metaphorical march for good over evil—a spiritual journey toward Zion.

Ninja Lipsy, a trailblazer in the Zimdancehall scene, lends her signature energy and charisma to the track, while RayKay adds a fresh, youthful edge with his hip-hop prowess.

Together, they create a seamless blend of styles that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Zimbabwean music today.

Pamuzinda, known for their rich storytelling through traditional instruments like Mbira and Marimba, continue to push boundaries with this release.

The band’s ability to blend cultural authenticity with modern genres shines brightly in “Jah Army,” making it a must-listen for fans at home and abroad.

Inspired by a call to righteousness, “Jah Army” is more than just a sonic experience; it’s a rallying cry. The track’s layered composition—traditional rhythms meeting contemporary beats—makes it an anthem that resonates across generations.

With its powerful message, “Jah Army” cements Pamuzinda’s reputation as cultural custodians and innovators in Zimbabwe’s music scene. This release is not just a testament to their artistry but also a celebration of the country’s rich musical tapestry.

So, whether you’re a fan of reggae, hip-hop, or traditional Zimbabwean music, “Jah Army” promises to be a track that you’ll have on repeat.

Listen here

The Shutdown: Organisers & Artists Gear Up for a Spectacular Night at the HICC

With only a few days remaining until The Shutdown rocks the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on 30 November 2024, anticipation is at an all-time high.

 

Gateway Stream Media, the event organisers, and the star-studded lineup of performers are pulling out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable evening for music fans across Zimbabwe.

Polished Preparations by Organisers

The event’s organisers are focused on creating a seamless and world-class experience. Every aspect, from sound systems to stage design, is being meticulously handled to ensure fans enjoy the performances without a hitch.

The newly revamped HICC adds a layer of sophistication to the event, with its upgraded seating, modern interiors, and cutting-edge aesthetics elevating the ambiance for the audience.

Behind the scenes, technical crews are fine-tuning the venue’s audio and visual systems, ensuring perfect synchronization between the performers and the setup.

With parking arrangements, efficient entry processes, and onsite support in place, the event is poised to meet international standards.

Artists Bring Their A-Game

The artists set to perform at The Shutdown are equally dedicated to delivering stellar performances. Headliner Jah Prayzah is preparing a dynamic set filled with crowd favourites.

Freeman HKD is bringing high-energy dancehall hits to the stage, crafting a performance designed to captivate fans from start to finish. Similarly, Feli Nandi is refining a soulful repertoire that blends her rich vocals with emotive storytelling, adding a touch of elegance to the evening.

Master H, Killer T, and Tocky Vibes are also gearing up for unforgettable sets, showcasing their signature styles and musical prowess. Each artist is investing significant effort into rehearsals to ensure their performances resonate with the audience in the transformed space.

Fans Await the Big Night

With tickets selling fast, anticipation is building among fans eager to experience this grand musical showcase. Social media buzz and discussions surrounding the event reflect the excitement as concertgoers prepare to witness some of Zimbabwe’s finest talents under one roof.

A Landmark Event in the Making

As the final touches are added, The Shutdown is shaping up to be more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of music, culture, and innovation. With the newly revamped HICC as the backdrop and an electrifying lineup ready to perform, the event promises to set a new benchmark for live entertainment in Zimbabwe.

The stage is set, the artists are ready, and the audience is counting down to what promises to be a spectacular night of music and celebration.

Singer Accused of using AI and Bots to Inflate Streaming Stats, Earning Millions in Fraudulent Royalties

A singer from the United States has been accused of manipulating music streaming platforms using AI technologies and bots to fraudulently inflate his stream statistics and earn millions of dollars in royalties.

 

Michael Smith, 52, from North Carolina, faces charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

According to the BBC, authorities allege that this is the first time AI has been used to allow such a large-scale streaming scam.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasised the scope of the fraud, claiming that Smith took millions of dollars in royalties that should have gone to real musicians, songwriters and rights holders.

The accusations stem from an unsealed indictment alleging that Smith distributed hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs across multiple streaming platforms.

To avoid detection, automated bots streamed the tracks—sometimes up to 10,000 at a time. Smith allegedly earned more than $10 million in illegal royalties over several years.

The FBI played a crucial role in the investigation. The agency’s acting assistant director, Christie M. Curtis, explained that the agency was dedicated to tracking down those who misuse technology to rob people of their earnings while simultaneously undermining the efforts of real artists.

According to the indictment, Smith began working with the CEO of an undisclosed AI music firm around 2018.

This co-conspirator allegedly provided Smith with thousands of AI-generated tracks each month. In exchange, Smith offered metadata such as song titles and artist names, and offered a share of streaming earnings.

One email exchange between Smith and the unnamed CEO in March 2019 demonstrates how the plot took shape.

The executive stated, “Keep in mind what we’re doing musically here…this is not ‘music,’ [but] ‘instant music’).” The email emphasises the operation’s intentional nature, as well as the use of AI to generate large amounts of content with minimal effort.

According to the indictment, the technology improved over time, making it harder for streaming platforms to detect fraudulent streams.

In another email dated February, Smith boasted that his AI-generated tracks had accumulated over 4 billion streams and $12 million in royalties since 2019. If convicted, Smith faces significant prison time for the charges brought against him.

The Smith case is not the only one involving bogus music streaming royalties. Earlier this year, a Danish man received an 18-month term for a similar plan.

Music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube forbid bots and artificial streams from being used to boost royalties.

Such behaviour is disruptive and illegal, and platforms have taken steps to combat it through policy changes. For instance, if artificial streams are detected, Spotify charges the label or distributor and music can earn royalties only if it meets certain criteria.

Nevertheless, the proliferation of AI-generated music continues to disrupt the music industry.

Musicians and record companies fear they will lose revenue and recognition due to AI tools capable of creating music, text and images. Such tools reportedly sometimes use content that musicians and other creators have posted on the internet, raising questions about copyright infringement.

Tension came to a head in 2023 when a track that mimicked the voices of popular artists Drake and The Weeknd went viral, prompting streaming platforms to remove it.

Earlier this year, several high-profile musicians, including Billie Eilish, Elvis Costello and Aerosmith, signed an open letter urging the music industry to address the “predatory” use of AI to generate content.