Songwriter-producer Melvin Moore files $15M suit against Chloe Bailey

Grammy-nominated songwriter-producer Melvin Moore, professionally known as OneInThe4Rest, has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Chloe Bailey, Columbia Records, and Parkwood Entertainment. Moore claims that Bailey and her label failed to credit and compensate him for his work on three tracks from her album Trouble in Paradise, which was launched in 2024.

The lawsuit was filed on February 20, 2025, in New York. It alleges copyright infringement, among other reports. Melvin Moore claims that Bailey used his lyrics in the songs Favorite, Same Lingerie, and Might as Well without his permission. He has demanded immediate payment, a share of royalties, and the removal of the disputed tracks from streaming platforms.

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Who are Chloe Bailey and Melvin Moore?

Chloe Bailey is an R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Initially, she gained fame as part of the sister duo Chloe x Halle. They were mentored by Beyoncé under Parkwood Entertainment.

The duo received notable acclaim from fans worldwide. One of their beloved albums is Ungodly Hour (2020). As a solo artist, Chloe has leaned into a relatively bold musical persona. Her latest studio project is Trouble in Paradise, some songs of which are the centerpiece of the $15 million lawsuit.

On the other hand, Melvin Moore, or OneInThe4Rest, is a songwriter and producer. He has collaborated with major figures in the global music industry, including Usher, Chris Brown, John Legend, Kanye West, BTS, and Drake.

Despite his industry experience, Moore claims he has faced financial struggles and exploitation. He further argues that these issues are also common among other songwriters.

Enthusiasts have voiced their views on this lawsuit and related matters. In the comment section of Variety's X (formerly Twitter) post about the same, multiple netizens weighed in. Below are what some of them had to remark:

"Wait. So he knowingly wrote a song for Chloe Bailey now hes saying they exploited him? How tho? ….did he think was gonna happen with the song? Like was it suppose to stay in a music box or something? Idk seems like a money grab.", noted an X user.

"Well, people do it and get away with it all of the time.", declared another.

"Welp, Chloe and her label are finally going to have to come to the table. They've been blowing him off disrespectfully. I love Chloe down, but I'm riding with the writers. Their unfair treatment has gotten out of hand.", added a third.

According to Moore’s complaint, the three songs in question were influenced by his personal experiences and struggles. He claims that Bailey and her team “misappropriated” his work and did not negotiate terms before the album’s release. He further reports that the authorities commercially exploited his contributions without his consent.

The lawsuit highlights how Bailey and Columbia Records actively promoted the songs while failing to acknowledge Moore’s role. A cease-and-desist letter was reportedly sent in January, but Moore alleges that Bailey continued to push the tracks on social media.

Among the damages sought, Moore is requesting:

• $150,000 per instance of copyright infringement
• $5 million in punitive damages per song
• A 2% royalty share per master recording
• A share of publishing rights
• Immediate removal of the disputed tracks from all platforms

As of now, neither Chloe Bailey nor Columbia Records has issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit.

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