Timbaland issues apology after remixing track without permission using AI
Timbaland’s Instagram apology shines a light on legal gaps as AI laws struggle to keep pace with industry concerns.
Timbaland has issued a public apology after sharing an AI remix of a track without getting permission from the original producer. The song, created using the AI platform Suno, used a beat made by independent producer K Fresh – but was uploaded without his knowledge or consent.
The incident came to light when music creator Curtiss King shared an Instagram video breaking down a clip in which Timbaland used the AI music platform Suno to remix a beat. In the footage, Timbaland is seen uploading a track that was originally produced by K Fresh. Curtiss King later invited K Fresh to speak about the issue, confirming that the beat had been used without consent, credit, or communication.
Following the public reaction, Timbaland responded with an apology on Instagram:
“I now understand that the song’s beat was produced by a producer named KFresh, who didn’t give consent, and that’s on me. I’d like to formally apologise to KFresh. I should have done my due diligence before using it.”
His Instagram post also included a note from his lawyer, who explained that while Timbaland’s remix did breach Suno’s terms of service, it hadn’t technically broken any laws. However, they acknowledged the ethical problem, saying that legality doesn’t necessarily make it right. “The audio is no longer on Suno’s platform. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realise: under the current law, even if a company removes the content, they’re not required to delete anything the AI may have learned from it. That part of the law hasn’t caught yet, and no court has said otherwise.”
The legal grey area around AI training data continues to worry the music industry. Many artists want clear options to opt in or out of having their work used to train AI models. However, even if tracks are removed from platforms, current laws don’t require AI systems to “unlearn” what they’ve already absorbed.
This case highlights the urgent need for better protections and transparency as AI becomes part of music creation. Timbaland’s legal representation is sure to mention that they are “working diligently behind the scenes to make sure creatives are actually part of the conversation when it comes to the developing laws around AI and music. We are working as creative advocates, not oppressors.”