Copyright Clash: Lee Ronghao Accuses Deny Pure of Unauthorized Song Use
Pop star Lee Ronghao has publicly accused singer Deny Pure of copyright infringement after she performed a rendition of his song “Li Bai” at her Shenzhen concert on March 28, 2026. The dispute has ignited a debate about music copyright and artist permissions in the increasingly lucrative Chinese concert market.
The Core of the Dispute: A Rejected Request
According to Lee Ronghao, Deny Pure’s team contacted both the China Copyright Association and his copyright company seeking permission to perform “Li Bai” during her Shenzhen concerts. He stated that he explicitly declined the request via email. Despite this rejection, Deny Pure proceeded to perform the song, leading Lee Ronghao to label the performance as “willful infringement.”
“The China Copyright Association confirmed they had not authorized the performance,” Lee Ronghao stated in a social media post. He also addressed the earlier rendition of “Li Bai” by Deny Pure on the show Singer 2025, noting that it had turn into a source of online mockery directed at him.
Deny Pure’s Response and Concert Impact
Following Lee Ronghao’s public statement, Deny Pure issued an apology and removed “Li Bai” from her concert setlist. However, the controversy appeared to affect her performance at the second Shenzhen concert on March 29, 2026, where she was observed appearing distressed and tearful on stage.
The Financial Stakes of Concert Performances
The incident highlights the complex financial arrangements surrounding concert performances. Reports indicate that top artists in China can earn millions of dollars per concert, with substantial revenue shared between record labels and concert promoters. According to previous reporting by Beijing Business Journal, some artists can earn upwards of ten million yuan per performance.
Industry insider Wang Yi, founder of Mingbai Music Entertainment, explained that major artists often seize a direct role in organizing concerts, managing ticketing and production. This direct involvement allows them to capture a larger share of the revenue.
Copyright Considerations in Song Covers
Lee Ronghao also commented on Deny Pure’s adaptation of “Li Bai” during her appearance on Singer 2025, stating that the changes – specifically replacing acoustic drums with electronic drums – did not constitute a substantial adaptation. He likened the changes to simply changing the cover of a book although leaving the content unchanged.
FAQ
Q: What is copyright infringement?
A: Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder.
Q: Can an artist cover a song without permission?
A: Generally, no. Artists typically require to obtain a license to legally cover a song, especially for commercial performances.
Q: What are the potential consequences of copyright infringement?
A: Consequences can include legal action, financial penalties and damage to reputation.
Q: How do artists typically obtain permission to cover a song?
A: They usually contact the copyright holder or a performing rights organization (PRO) to negotiate a license.
Q: What role do performing rights organizations play?
A: PROs like the China Copyright Association collect royalties on behalf of copyright holders and distribute them to artists and publishers.
Pro Tip: Always verify copyright permissions before performing or distributing a cover song to avoid legal issues.
This situation underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and navigating the complexities of music licensing in the entertainment industry.
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