Timbaland has issued an apology after facing backlash for using K Fresh‘s beat without approval to create an AI-generated remix through Suno.

On Friday (June 20), K Fresh demanded a public apology from the producer within 24 hours or face legal consequences.

The track was shared without credit, consent or compensation, igniting widespread criticism from artists and industry professionals.

Timbaland responded with a statement on social media, admitting he failed to verify the origin of the beat before using it in a demo.

“I’d like to formally apologize to KFresh,” he wrote. “I should have done my due diligence before using it. “Regardless of the intent, I recognize that not everyone involved was aware or onboard, and I take full responsibility for that oversight.”

The controversy erupted after the super-producer uploaded a remix made with Suno, an AI music platform he advises, using a beat originally crafted by K Fresh.

“There was no credit. No consent. No apology,” K Fresh and his attorney Ryan Schmidt wrote in an open letter addressed to both Timbaland and Suno. “Instead, he used someone else’s work without permission.”

Timbaland clarified that the remix was not monetized or distributed commercially and was intended to showcase creative possibilities with AI.

“I didn’t monetize it, release it, or try to claim ownership,” he said. “I was genuinely inspired and wanted to demonstrate what’s possible.”

Timbaland’s legal counsel, Tynia Coats, acknowledged the remix violated Suno’s terms of service but said it didn’t break the law.

“Just because something’s legal doesn’t mean it’s right,” she said. “The audio is no longer on Suno’s platform.”

Still, the damage may be done.

Part of K Fresh and his legal teams demand was that Timbaland provided proof that the beat has been removed from Suno’s training data and a commitment to avoid using unlicensed music in future demos.

It’s unclear if the data is still part of Suno’s algorithm.

Timbaland’s involvement with Suno, an AI-powered music platform, has drawn scrutiny from artists concerned about how artificial intelligence may exploit creative work.

He also recently launched Stage Zero, a company focused on AI-generated music, and introduced a virtual artist named TaTa, which has drawn criticism for potentially sidelining human talent.

Timbaland is facing backlash and potential legal action after allegedly using K Fresh’s beat without consent to promote an artificial intelligence music tool developed by Suno, where the legendary producer serves as an advisor.

In an open letter posted online on Friday (June 20), K Fresh and his attorney, Ryan Schmidt, accused the Grammy-winning producer of uploading one of K Fresh’s original tracks to Suno’s platform, then using it to generate an unauthorized AI remix.

“There was no credit. No consent. No apology,” the letter stated.

The controversy centers on a demo Timbaland shared to showcase Suno’s AI capabilities. Rather than using his own extensive catalog, the producer allegedly selected a beat created by K Fresh without asking for permission.

“With over 30 years of music in his own catalog, he had every opportunity to use something he actually owns. Instead, he used someone else’s work without permission,” the letter said.

The letter also claims Timbaland’s actions violated U.S. copyright law and Suno’s own terms of service, which require users to own the content they upload.

“This wasn’t just unethical; it violated U.S. copyright law and breached Suno’s own Terms of Use, which require users to own any uploaded content,” the letter continues. “As a result, K Fresh’s music is now permanently part of Suno’s training model without his consent.”

Suno has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, a silence that K Fresh’s team says only deepens the issue.

“Suno’s continued silence is just as troubling. Your silence sends a message: that respecting the rights of creators is optional.”

Timbaland has been a vocal supporter of AI in music, launching his own company, Stage Zero, and introducing a virtual artist named TaTa.

His efforts have drawn criticism from artists and industry insiders who argue that AI-generated music threatens the integrity of human creativity.

K Fresh’s team is demanding a public apology and five specific actions within 24 hours, including proof that his music has been removed from Suno’s training data and a commitment to never use unlicensed music in future demos.

“This is your chance to do what is right. Meet these simple terms and we’ll consider the matter resolved. Refuse, and we’ll take every step necessary to ensure accountability.”

Suno and its competitor, Udio, are facing massive lawsuits from major labels and independent artists who accuse the companies of using copyrighted music without permission to train their AI models.

Sony, Universal, and Warner claim the startups copied thousands of songs—662 by Suno, 1,670 by Udio—with plaintiffs seeking damages up to \$150,000 per track.

Independent artists allege they’ve been exploited and excluded from settlement talks. While negotiations are underway, no cases have been resolved as of June 2025.