DJ Bobo

Lori Glori, the female vocalist on several tracks, said she had signed what she believed to be a receipt but which assigned her rights, and that she had not received a fair share of the commercial success. Her account attracted renewed attention in 2024.

State of the evidence

Lori Glori's testimony and judicial dismissal of her claim documented

Legal status — source text

Claim dismissed in 2000 according to the sources; no conviction of DJ Bobo

Attribution

Personal allegations of unfair treatment; judicial outcome favourable to Bobo

Tanja Geuder recounted falling into an opening in the stage, seriously injuring her shoulder and receiving no compensation. She said she had not pursued legal action for financial reasons.

State of the evidence

Former dancer's public testimony reported by several media outlets

Legal status — source text

No legal action brought according to the source; no judicial liability established

Attribution

Allegation concerning tour organisation and treatment of a former colleague

His former producer Gutze Gautschi accused DJ Bobo of rerecording his songs after changing record labels to avoid paying certain royalties to former rights holders, and of incorrectly declaring the new recordings.

State of the evidence

Former producer's accusations reported by the press

Legal status — source text

No conviction or judicial proceedings identified

Attribution

Allegation concerning DJ Bobo's commercial decisions

The canton of Lucerne featured DJ Bobo in a campaign encouraging residents not to consult a doctor for every minor ailment. Politicians and experts criticised its cost, appropriateness and risk of lecturing patients.

State of the evidence

Campaign and public criticism documented

Legal status — source text

No judicial proceedings

Attribution

DJ Bobo participated voluntarily as the public face of the campaign

The song chosen to represent Switzerland at Eurovision 2007 prompted a petition with nearly 50,000 signatures from Christian groups who considered its vampire imagery and certain lyrics offensive or 'satanic'.

State of the evidence

Public controversy documented

Legal status — source text

No judicial proceedings

DJ Bobo's first major hit used a melody associated with Rockwell. Bobo subsequently acknowledged the borrowing, and the matter ended in an agreement providing for a share of the revenue.

State of the evidence

Musical borrowing publicly acknowledged and agreement documented

Legal status — source text

Out-of-court settlement; no criminal conviction

Attribution

Personal responsibility for the use of the melody

Emel Aykanat, who sang the chorus of 'Somebody Dance With Me', alleged that receipts had subsequently been altered to appear as assignments of rights. The dispute ended in an agreement and a substantial financial payment.

State of the evidence

Aykanat's allegations and out-of-court settlement reported

Legal status — source text

Out-of-court settlement; no criminal conviction