Missy Elliott Settles Long-Running 1990s Co-Writing Lawsuit

Missy Elliott has settled a seven-year legal dispute with music producer Terry Williams, who claimed co-writing credits on several songs from Elliott's early career with the R&B group SISTA. Williams alleged that he co-wrote four songs on the 1994 album 4 All the Sistas Around da World but was left off the songwriting credits and sought royalties dating back to the album's release. Elliott has consistently denied Williams' claims, stating he did not contribute to the songs and that she had not met him before delivering the album to the record label. The settlement was reached just as jury selection was about to begin in a Philadelphia federal courtroom, with no money paid in connection with Williams' claims, which were dismissed. Details of the agreement remain confidential, but Elliott regained possession of her original writings and music, allowing her to avoid a jury trial and move forward with her legacy intact. The case also saw earlier claims against Timbaland and record labels dismissed, and Williams ultimately represented himself in the final stages.