A representative for Billy Joel has spoken out against a recently announced biopic about his life, calling the project unauthorized and "legally and professionally misguided."
Recent reports revealed a Joel biopic entitled Billy & Me, to be directed by Michael and Bohemian Rhapsody editor John Ottman, was in the works.
However, in a new statement, a representative for Joel told Variety that he does not support the project, calling its development "legally and professionally misguided."
"Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel's life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project," the rep said. "Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided."
Billy & Me is told from the point of view of Irwin Mazur, Joel's first manager. The Ottman film has secured the exclusive life rights for both him and Joel collaborator, Jon Small.
Mazur discovered Joel in 1966 and then signed him in 1970 and guided his career until his signing to Columbia Records in 1972.
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