We all know the phrase “killing them with kindness.” But is there now such a thing as “suing them with kindness”? Yes, if you happen to be the legal team of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, arguably the most successful pop musician of the past two decades.
It seems that a “pop-up bar” recently popped up in Brooklyn to pay tribute to Queen Bey. It was called “Sleyenda,” after their hero, who “slays” frequently. Beyoncé’s lawyers quickly put the bar on notice. As the New York Post put it, “Grinchy Beyoncé sends cease and desist to NYC holiday pop-up.” Which is true, as far as it goes. But the Post missed what was remarkable about the lawyers’ missive—that it was decidedly un-Grinchy. The tone of the letter was downright unlawyerly.
“It appears that you are a dedicated fan of Mrs. Carter, and for that support, Mrs. Carter thanks you,” the lawyers cooed. “There is a line, however, between fandom and infringement of intellectual property rights, and we are concerned that this pop-up bar will cross that line.” Could they have been more pleasant with what is an unpleasant task? One is reminded of the wisdom head bouncer Patrick Swayze shares with his deputies in the movie Road House: “I want you to be nice. Until it’s time to not be nice.”
Of course, that time arrived a few paragraphs later: “Please know that Mrs. Carter and BGK do not wish to initiate legal proceedings against you, but unless you comply with the foregoing demands, they will not be left with many options for protecting their rights.” In other words: Prepare to be slain by the Slayer.
We do wonder if taking such a congenial tone while threatening a lawsuit is an effective method to get people to comply. Perhaps our litigious commander in chief can give it a shot.
