Avril Lavigne Steals More Than Just Boyfriends

[Brian Damage]

Avril Lavigne sings about stealing boyfriends, but in reality she might be stealing songs. The former punk rocker is being sued by two songwriters who claim that her catchy hit “Girlfriend” sounds like one of their songs.

According to the suit, “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” a song recorded in the ‘70s by power pop band the Rubinoos sounds a lot like Lavigne’s “Girlfriend.” Tommy Dunbar, founder of the Rubinoos and co-writer of the song in question, filed the suit July 2. The lawsuit is also against Lavigne’s publishing company, Avril Lavigne Publishing, and “Girlfriend” co-writer Dr. Luke.

Lavigne’s manager, Terry McBride, claims the suit has no basis. “Our musicologist says there are no similarities of melody, choral progression, or meter,” he said.

He also said he might settle the suit out of court if the costs of defending the case are too high. But, he added, “Avril has insurance that covers off these sort of suits that are so prevalent in this business.”