PewDiePie and T-Series settle legal fight over ‘racist’ diss track
An Indian judge described the video as 'abusive and vulgar'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The two most popular YouTube channels – PewDiePie and T-Series – have reached a settlement over a months-long legal fight involving an allegedly racist diss track.
PewDiePie, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, took over the top spot on YouTube in 2013 and amassed nearly 100 million subscribers to his channel during his six-year reign.
He was overtaken by the Indian music label T-Series earlier this year, following a controversial battle that saw PewDiePie fans go to extreme lengths to try and get people to subscribe to the YouTube star.
Mr Kjellberg also made videos mocking T-Series, including two songs titled 'Bitch Lasagna' and 'Congratulations'.
One line from 'Bitch Lasagna' stated: "Your language sounds like it came from a mumble rap community."
While ostensibly a congratulatory song, his follow-up 'Congratulations' includes accusations of tax evasion and piracy against T-Series.
It also refers to legal action taken by the Indian corporation as a result of the first video.
"I got a letter in the post, hmmm, what is this? T-Series saying cease and desist," one line states. "Suck my f***ing Swedish meatballs."
Both songs are blocked for YouTube users in India following an injunction from Delhi's High Court.
The filing, uncovered by Business Insider, revealed that both channels came to a settlement over the videos, though no agreement was signed.
According to the Indian judge, the videos were "abusive, vulgar and also racist in nature".
A spokesperson for T-Series did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments