Fast-rising music star Grammy-winning Olivia Dean's album includes a track allegedly ripped off of Bill Withers classic "Just the Two of Us"

Mattie Music Group has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit over Olivia Dean's "I've Seen It."

Fast-rising music star Olivia Dean's song "I've Seen It" allegedly rips off Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr.'s smash hit, "Just the Two of Us." 

Mattie Music Group, the publisher and manager of the late singer/songwriter's musical works, named after Withers' mother Mattie, filed a lawsuit on Thursday, October 1, against Universal Music Group, Dean's record label Capitol Records, Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC, and Kobalt Music Publishing America in a federal court in Los Angeles. 

Dean, along with "I've Seen It" writers Bastian Langebaek and Max Wolfgang are not included as defendants.

The Case in Brief

Dean's song is on her second album The Art of Loving as the closer. Released by Capitol in September 2025, The Art of Loving is Dean's breakout project thanks in part to "Man I Need," the album's first US Top 5 hit. Dean went on to win the 2026 Grammy for Best New Artist.

What Mattie Music Group Wants

The publication of "I've Seen It" allegedly infringes Mattie Music Group's exclusive rights to distribute and reproduce Withers' hit.

 The complaint says the Group wants monetary compensation, the amount of which will be decided during the trial, for its losses, as well as an injunction that will prohibit future acts of infringement.

Who Is Behind the Lawsuit

Mattie Music Group is led by Bill Withers' wife, Marcia Johnson, who has been managing and protecting her husband's musical legacy since his death in March of 2020 in Los Angeles at age 81.

What Happens Next

None of the defendants have been found to be liable for the alleged infringement, and at the time of publication, have not commented.

Read more about Olivia Dean, Bill Withers, Grover Washington Jr., Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Group & Capitol Records

Written by

Lakshya