Sky Ferreira Alleges Charli xcx Used Unreleased Demos on ‘Wuthering Heights’ Album
A public dispute has erupted between pop icons Sky Ferreira and Charli xcx over the credits and origins of songs on the Wuthering Heights soundtrack. Ferreira has suggested that elements of the album, which serves as the official soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s recent film, were based on her own unreleased original function.
The Origins of the Dispute
The tension began in February following the release of Wuthering Heights. When a social media meme suggested Charli xcx had “dragged” Ferreira back into the studio to complete the project, Ferreira responded bluntly, stating she was there “to record my old songs.”
The conflict escalated in early April 2026 after a user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned Ferreira’s sources of income. Ferreira responded via Instagram, claiming, “your favorite artist records my old songs,” and adding that she has worked hard to move past the issues these revelations bring back. According to Billboard, these comments sparked widespread speculation regarding the creative ownership of the album’s tracks.
Disputed Tracks and ‘Industry Insider’ Claims
While Ferreira is officially credited as a featured artist, co-writer and vocal producer on the track “Eyes of the World,” other songs on the album have come under scrutiny. An “industry insider” cited by a fan on X alleged that two other tracks were “ripped” from Ferreira’s archives:
- “Chains of Love”: Claims suggest the intro was taken from “Ancient Idols,” a Ferreira demo from approximately 2018 intended for her unreleased second album, Masochism.
- “Altars”: Allegations suggest this track was based on a Ferreira demo dating back to 2015.
Ferreira addressed these specific claims on Instagram, noting that while the insider was “close,” they were “wrong” about the extent of the usage. She clarified that the appropriation was “definitely more than an intro” and asserted, “I have proof of everything with dates.” Despite this, Ferreira stated that pursuing the matter further “isn’t worth the trouble” due to the fact that she understands how the music industry operates, as reported by NME.
Charli xcx’s Response
Charli xcx has not personally commented on the allegations. Her management team issued a statement clarifying that she is currently in Kyoto filming a movie and working on her next studio album. The team’s response focuses on her current professional commitments rather than addressing the specific claims regarding the Wuthering Heights credits.
Key Takeaways: The Ferreira vs. Xcx Controversy
- The Core Claim: Sky Ferreira alleges that Charli xcx used her old, unreleased demos on the Wuthering Heights soundtrack.
- Credited Work: Ferreira is officially credited on “Eyes of the World.”
- Uncredited Claims: Disputes involve the tracks “Chains of Love” and “Altars.”
- Evidence: Ferreira claims to possess dated proof of her original work but has declined to pursue formal action.
- Current Status: Charli xcx remains silent on the matter while filming in Kyoto.
This dispute highlights the ongoing complexities of songwriting credits and the use of demos within the pop industry. As Ferreira remains one of the most elusive figures in music, her decision not to fight for these credits reflects a broader frustration with industry dynamics.