Rihanna’s ‘Smurfs’ Song Lawsuit Against Paramount Settled

A Rihanna Smurfs lawsuit involving Paramount Pictures has come to an end. The studio and songwriter Sam Roman, known professionally as RØMANS, have reached a confidential settlement over the alleged unauthorized use of his music in the 2025 animated film Smurfs.

Roman sued Paramount earlier this year, claiming the studio used his song “Anyone” in the movie without authorization or payment. Rihanna performed the song in the film, but the singer was not accused of wrongdoing and was not a party to the lawsuit.

Rihanna Smurfs lawsuit reaches settlement

According to court filings reported by Billboard, attorneys for Roman and Paramount told a judge Monday that the two sides had signed a written confidential settlement agreement.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been made public. Both sides also have not immediately provided additional comments about the settlement.

The agreement brings the dispute to a close without a trial.

What RØMANS claimed in the lawsuit

Roman alleged that Paramount used his music without completing an agreement that would have covered its use and compensation.

The songwriter claimed the situation involved music created for the Smurfs movie. He also alleged that the studio failed to pay him for the use of his work.

According to reports about the lawsuit, Roman’s attorney previously claimed Paramount did not compensate the songwriter after the studio became upset with Rihanna.

However, that allegation did not accuse Rihanna of any wrongdoing.

Rihanna was not accused in the case

Although Rihanna’s performance became part of the dispute, the singer was not a defendant in the lawsuit.

Paramount’s 2025 Smurfs movie stars Rihanna as Smurfette. The film also features James Corden, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, Dan Levy and several other actors.

Rihanna also served as one of the movie’s producers alongside Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith and Ryan Harris.

Her involvement in the film helped make the music dispute more visible, but the legal battle centered on Roman’s claims against Paramount.

Paramount and RØMANS keep settlement terms private

The confidential agreement means details about any payment or other conditions will remain private unless the parties later disclose them.

For now, the settlement ends the legal dispute between Roman and Paramount.

The case also highlights the complex process behind music used in major films. Songs can involve multiple rights holders, performers, studios and licensing agreements, making proper authorization and compensation an important part of movie production.

Meanwhile, Rihanna continues to expand her work across music, fashion, beauty and entertainment. Her role as Smurfette marked another major acting and production credit for the global star.

With the settlement now in place, the Rihanna Smurfs lawsuit is officially coming to an end.

Source: Billboard