Law in Popular Culture
Taylor Swift in legal showdown over ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album title use
Taylor Swift performs in Rio de Janeiro in November 2023 during her record-breaking “The Eras Tour.” (Photo by Buda Mendes/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
A Las Vegas showgirl is suing Taylor Swift over the pop singer’s use of a phrase for her newest album title, which is similar to a trademarked term, according to a claim in California federal court.
Maren Flagg, whose stage name is Maren Wade, filed a claim March 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Swift’s similarly named 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl, infringes on “Confessions of a Showgirl,” a registered trademark that Flagg has.
The lawsuit names Swift, TAS Rights Management, UMG Recordings and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services as defendants, according to coverage by USA Today.
Flagg registered the trademark in 2015 and has spent over a decade honing her brand, which includes touring shows, digital media and a written column that appeared in 2014 under the “Confessions of a Showgirl” title.
Flagg is claiming trademark infringement under the Lanham Act, false designation of origin and unfair competition. She is seeking to permanently block Swift from using the phrase, damages, profits and attorney fees.
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