Tulisa has opened up about her grueling five-year legal battle with Will.i.am over her hit song, Scream & Shout. The singer, who successfully sued the Black Eyed Peas star for stealing her single, has revealed the shocking way the drama unfolded and the three words she said to him when they bumped into each other after her court victory.

A Song Stolen

Tulisa’s journey to justice began in 2012 when he approached her about featuring her song, I Don’t Give A F**k, on his upcoming album. Tulisa had penned the track for her debut album, The Female Boss, and had planned to use it as a follow-up single to her hit song, Young. However, (link unavailable) had other plans, and Tulisa soon discovered that he had taken her song and given it to Britney Spears to record.

A Five-Year Legal Battle

The former X Factor judge was left reeling when she heard Britney’s version of the song on the radio. “I was just casually sitting at home, and there it was on the telly!” Tulisa recalled. “Britney’s just singing, and I’m like, is that my voice on the record that she’s singing over?” Tulisa’s vocals were still present on the track, and she was shocked to discover that will.i.am had credited himself, Jef Martens, and Jean Baptiste as the songwriters.

Victory at Last

Tulisa’s decision to take will.i.am to court was not taken lightly. The singer had to endure a five-year legal battle, but her determination paid off. In 2018, Tulisa won the lawsuit, and was awarded 10 percent of the worldwide publishing rights and income from the song.

Moving On

When asked about her current relationship with will.i.am, Tulisa revealed that she has seen him out and about, but their interactions have been brief. “I’ve seen him out and just been like, ‘you alright mate?'” Tulisa explained. “I’m not a**ed. I’ve been paid, my name’s on the record. It is what it is.”