War of Words

Beach Boys Suing Katy Perry?

"California Gurls" sparks controversy.

Perhaps a tropical drink melting in their hands would help to smooth things over? Beach Boys label Rondor Records is accusing pop star Katy Perry of ripping off the group's lyrics in her hit summer anthem "California Gurls," ABC News reports. The part in question? At the end of “California Gurls,” guest artist Snoop Dogg raps, “I really wish you all could be California girls"—a strikingly similar take on the Beach Boys' “I wish they all could be California girls.” According to the New York Post, Rondor Records has threatened to sue Perry's label, though a Rondor spokesman denies this: “There is no lawsuit against the writers or publishers of 'California Gurls.' We have established diminutive claim.” Last week, the Beach Boys' Mike Love told Billboard.com that he liked “California Gurls,” and heard similarities between Perry's track and the original. “I think it brings the Beach Boys' 1965 classic to mind, that's for sure,” Love said.