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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Moments before trial was due to start Tuesday, singer Post Malone settled a lawsuit brought by a Los Angeles-based producer and songwriter who alleged he deserved credit and royalties for co-writing Malone's 2019 hit "Circles."
Tyler Armes, a member of the Canadian rap-rock band Down With Webster, filed suit against Malone three years ago in Los Angeles federal court, alleging "Circles" arose from an all-night jam session in 2018 at which he was a primary collaborator.
The lawsuit also names producer Frank Dukes and Universal Music Group.
As jury selection was set to begin Tuesday morning, U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright indicated that a settlement had been reached. Details were not immediately disclosed.
Released in August 2019, the song debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and climbed to No. 1, where it spent three weeks. It was nominated for both record and song of the year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Malone -- real name Austin Post -- has stated that although Armes was present during the initial jam sessions, the multi-instrumentalist did not contribute anything crucial.
However, the lawsuit contends that Armes did play a significant role in the song's development.
"Despite repeated efforts by Armes to amicably resolve this matter, Post and Dukes have steadfastly refused to give Armes the credit and share of the profits he is due," according to the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges that Malone offered Armes 5% of the song's publishing royalties, but Armes asked for a higher percentage along with co- writing and producing credits -- which Post rejected.
The plaintiff's lawyers maintain that Malone's refusal to credit Armes "has resulted in significant harm to Armes' reputation, career and cost him a host of opportunities."