At 84 years old, George Clinton isn’t done fighting for what he’s owed — and his latest battle puts Universal Music Group squarely in his crosshairs.
The Parliament-Funkadelic architect filed a federal lawsuit Friday, May 15, in Detroit, accusing UMG of withholding more than $1.1 million in royalties across at least 12 of his accounts for over three years. The complaint alleges the label froze payments tied to Parliament recordings, his Clijo Productions imprint, and even his production credits with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
According to court documents, UMG has been using a now-resolved third-party copyright dispute as its justification. The estate of late P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell filed suit in 2022, claiming Worrell was a co-creator and co-owner of 264 songs in the Parliament-Funkadelic catalog — including hits like “Flash Light” and “One Nation Under a Groove.” A federal judge ruled in Clinton’s favor in September 2025, finding the claims were time-barred under the Copyright Act’s statute of limitations.
Clinton’s attorneys argue UMG has continued freezing payments despite that outcome. “This is a straightforward breach of contract case,” the complaint states, calling out UMG for withholding royalties “based on a third-party lawsuit to which UMG is not a party, in which UMG faces no claim, in which UMG could incur no liability, and in which the third party has now lost on summary judgment.”
The breakdown of withheld funds is specific: one Parliament account reportedly holds $996,123.03 as of December 31, 2025, a Clinton/Clijo Productions account shows over $99,000, and a Red Hot Chili Peppers-related account reflects $29,543.22.
This is far from Clinton’s first legal battle over his catalog. He has fought lengthy disputes with Worrell’s estate and with former agent Armen Boladian, whose Bridgeport Music company controls 90 percent of Clinton’s publishing.
Clinton is seeking full repayment of the frozen funds, damages, a complete accounting, an injunction against further withholding, and attorneys’ fees. UMG has not commented publicly.
