X Factor's Ashley plans to sue paper over free downloads

1:24pm Friday 8th August 2008

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X Factor finalist Ashley McKenzie is planning legal action against the Croydon Advertiser after it allowed fans to download his debut single for free.

Ashley accused the newspaper group of ‘destroying his debut single’ after it put a review only version of Deep in Love on its web-site.

“The newspaper has no right to put this single on to its website as an MP3 which effectively allows anyone to download it for free.”

Anthony Marsh, Ashley's manager

The pop singer, who lives with his mum in Selhurst, released the single last Monday.

His manager Anthony Marsh from Frank Records, has contacted lawyers this morning and intends to sue the newspaper.

He said: “It is a very, very serious issue. We have talked to lawyers Steels Law Solicitors this morning and we are looking at a range of issues including breach of copyright, loss of earnings and licensing and distribution issues.

“We sent out this single to media outlets for review purposes only. We never allowed anyone to put it up online to be downloaded.

“Ashley told me ‘I can’t believe they have destroyed my debut single’. He is livid.

“The newspaper has no right to put this single on to its website as an MP3 which effectively allows anyone to download it for free.”

Although the newspaper has now taken down Ashley’s record from its website, a spokesman for the Croydon Advertiser said: “Ashley McKenzie’s management sent us the song on the understanding it would be put up on our website, so we are surprised they are now threatening legal action.”