In 2025, Carrie Underwood became involved in a high-profile legal controversy sparked by comments made on the daytime talk show The View following her performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The situation led to widespread rumors of a massive defamation lawsuit against the show and its co-hosts. However, the actual legal actions largely revolve around allegations of defamation and copyright infringement related to Carrie Underwood, with a notable federal lawsuit filed concerning the Sunday Night Football theme song she performed.
Background and Key Legal Issues
The controversy began when The View co-hosts, particularly Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin, criticized Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. The remarks sparked a fierce public debate and online backlash, with Carrie’s legal team reportedly preparing or filing defamation claims against some co-hosts and the show’s producers. Rumors circulated of an $800 million lawsuit, fueling significant media attention and calls for settlement.
Separately, in April 2025, a federal copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against Carrie Underwood, NBCUniversal, and the NFL relating to the Sunday Night Football opening theme song “Game On.” The plaintiffs allege that the theme song bears substantial similarity to their original work and seek damages through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Legal Developments and Status as of Mid-2025
- Defamation Claims: While rumors of a billion-dollar defamation lawsuit against The View exist, public confirmation and concrete filings are limited. The case remains largely in the realm of media speculation and partial legal threats rather than finalized court actions.
- Copyright Lawsuit: The plagiarism lawsuit concerning the Sunday Night Football theme song is active, naming Carrie Underwood among defendants, with legal proceedings underway.
- Public and Media Reaction: The dispute has intensified discussion about media accountability, celebrity reputations, and political affiliations influencing public discourse.
Broader Implications
- The legal controversies raised by these disputes underscore challenges celebrities face around freedom of expression, political expression, and reputational protection in the digital age.
- They highlight the complexity of defamation law involving public figures and the influence of mass media and social platforms on legal disputes.
- The copyright lawsuit brings attention to issues of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry, especially regarding high-profile sports and music productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrie Underwood suing The View for defamation?
There have been rumors and reports of Carrie Underwood threatening or filing defamation lawsuits against some The View co-hosts following critical comments, but no definitive court filings confirming an $800 million lawsuit have been publicly verified.
What is the copyright lawsuit against Carrie Underwood about?
Carrie Underwood, NBCUniversal, and the NFL face a federal lawsuit alleging plagiarism of a YouTube song in the creation of the Sunday Night Football theme “Game On,” with the case filed in New York federal court.
What triggered the defamation controversy?
The controversy arose after Carrie Underwood performed at President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, which generated significant criticism and debate on The View and other media outlets.
What could be the legal outcomes?
If defamation claims proceed, they could result in financial settlements or court rulings clarifying media boundaries on political commentary. The copyright case may lead to damages or licensing agreements depending on judicial findings.
How has the public reacted?
The public remains divided, with some supporting Carrie Underwood’s stance and others defending free speech and media critique, reflecting broader societal polarization.
Conclusion
The Carrie Underwood lawsuit situation in 2025 involves a complex mix of defamation rumors linked to political and media controversy and a separate active copyright infringement lawsuit tied to a major music production. While some allegations and claims remain unconfirmed or in early stages, these legal matters illustrate the intersection of celebrity, politics, media accountability, and intellectual property in contemporary entertainment culture. The ongoing developments are closely watched for their potential to set precedents in both defamation law and entertainment copyright disputes.
