Authorities Investigate Leona Lewis, Timberlake Leak

Date: 08/20/09 | Newsroom
Filed under: Pop Culture, Leona Lewis, Justin Timberlake

Authorities have been called in to investigate the leak of a duet featuring Leona Lewis and Justin Timberlake.

Intended to be the first single from Lewis' sophomore album, sources say "Don't Let Me Down" had been obtained by hackers and leaked on the internet.

While some have taken leaks over the last few years in stride, Lewis' record label is not taking this particular leak lightly.

In a statement issued Wednesday, IFPI and recording label Syco say they will search and perhaps prosecute individuals responsible for the leak.

"IFPI is working with SyCo and law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Europe to trace the individuals who stole the Leona Lewis/Justin Timberlake track," said Jeremy Banks, head of IFPI's Internet Anti-Piracy Unit.

"The police investigation is ongoing," he said in a statement. "Such pre-release leaks, however they are sourced, are highly damaging to our members who invest considerable budgets in marketing and promoting music ahead of release."

Lewis, noted for the hit single "Bleeding Love" and success post 'The X-Factor' is due to release her sophomore album in the near future.