Blurred Lines#Lawsuit

Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams co-wrote "Blurred Lines" during a three-day writing session in July 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/robin-thicke-0-9-1216985|title='Blurred Lines' verdict: Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams ripped off Marvin Gaye song|last=Stubbs|first=Dan|website=NME|date=March 15, 2015|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=February 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215043620/https://www.nme.com/news/music/robin-thicke-0-9-1216985|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/arts/music/robin-thicke-a-romantic-has-a-naughty-hit.html|title=Robin Thicke, a Romantic, Has a Naughty Hit|last=McKinley|first=James C. Jr.|website=The New York Times|date=July 19, 2013|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411023143/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/arts/music/robin-thicke-a-romantic-has-a-naughty-hit.html|url-status=live}} Williams first started to play a funk rhythm with syncopated cowbell accents on the drums, along with a simple two-chord progression. It became the spine of the track. Thicke improvised a melody and wrote lyrics about seducing another man's girlfriend. Within an hour and a half, both singers had the song recorded and completed. Thicke and Williams wanted to get a rapper from the Southern part of the United States to be part of the song. They ended up choosing T.I.{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/robin-thicke-interview-blurred-lines-music-video-collaborating-with-2-chainz-and-kendrick-lamar-mercy|title=Robin Thicke on That Banned Video, Collaborating with 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar, and His New Film|last=Phili|first=Stelios|website=GQ|date=May 6, 2013|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517084633/https://www.gq.com/story/robin-thicke-interview-blurred-lines-music-video-collaborating-with-2-chainz-and-kendrick-lamar-mercy|url-status=live}} T.I. would add a rap verse to the song several months later.

In an interview with GQ{{'s}} Stelios Phili, Thicke explained that he and Williams were in the studio together when he told Williams that one of his favorite songs of all time was Marvin Gaye's 1977 single "Got to Give It Up". Thicke wanted to make a song similar to "Got to Give It Up". Thicke stated that he and Williams would go back and forth and sing lines like, "Hey, hey, hey!". Thicke told the Daily Star the song was "mostly throwaway fun", but said it was inspired by him and Williams being in love with their wives, having kids, and loving their mothers. He commented that both of them have a lot of respect for women.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/londonnewsdesk/view/78026/?isworld=y|title=Robin Thicke's wife 'loves' risqué music video|publisher=Pressparty|date=June 8, 2013|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110235209/https://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/londonnewsdesk/view/78026/?isworld=y|url-status=live}} An ad was created for Radio Shack to market the Beats Pill, a small stereo, that showed Thicke, Pharrell, and the models repeating the look of the (clothed) music video, but with the models holding up the Beats Pill.{{cite news |title=RadioShack 'Beats By Dr. Dre Pill' Ad: Phallic Imagery, Half-Naked Women And Robin Thicke (VIDEO) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/radio-shack-beats-by-dr-dre-pill-ad_n_3238229.html |date=May 8, 2013 |work=The Huffington Post |first=Ron |last=Dicker |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015185358/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/radio-shack-beats-by-dr-dre-pill-ad_n_3238229.html |url-status=live}}

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"Blurred Lines" has been described as a funk-inspired pop and R&B track.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/115994/summer-song-lawsuit-exposes-the-blurred-lines-of-the-us-copyright-system/|title=Summer song lawsuit exposes the 'Blurred Lines' of the US copyright system|last=Pasick|first=Adam|website=Quartz|date=August 13, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809063344/https://qz.com/115994/summer-song-lawsuit-exposes-the-blurred-lines-of-the-us-copyright-system/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2019/10/how-blurred-lines-scandal-changed-pop|title=How the Blurred Lines scandal changed pop|last=Bootle|first=Emily|website=New Statesman|date=October 17, 2019|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918170748/https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2019/10/how-blurred-lines-scandal-changed-pop|url-status=live}} Its instrumentation consists of bass guitar, drums, and percussion.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6258733/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-one-year-later|title=Is It Still Possible To Enjoy Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines'?|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|magazine=Billboard|date=September 18, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811075257/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6258733/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-one-year-later|url-status=live}} According to Emily Bootle of New Statesman, the song is light-hearted in nature and its musical humor is evident in the "bouncing bassline, tongue-in cheek background yelps, the comically low pitch of the refrain 'I know you want it' and the laughter that follows the lyric 'What rhymes with 'hug me'?'."

Lyrically, "Blurred Lines" is about a woman Thicke is trying to pick up in a club.{{cite web|last=Lynskey|first=Dorian|date=November 13, 2013|title=Blurred Lines: the most controversial song of the decade|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/13/blurred-lines-most-controversial-song-decade|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402171007/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/13/blurred-lines-most-controversial-song-decade|archive-date=April 2, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=The Guardian}} "The song is a come on", wrote Ken Tucker in a review of the song and its parent album for NPR.{{Cite news|last=Tucker|first=Ken|date=August 22, 2013|title=Robin Thicke: Smirky But Sincere On 'Blurred Lines'|language=en|work=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/08/22/214469438/robin-thicke-smirky-but-sincere-on-blurred-lines|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211232259/https://www.npr.org/2013/08/22/214469438/robin-thicke-smirky-but-sincere-on-blurred-lines|url-status=live}} Tucker noted that what prevents the song from descending into creepiness is that Thicke remains "gentlemanly and debonair" when the object of his desire rejects him.

Other interpretations of the song's lyrical content were unfavorable. Elizabeth Plank of Mic considered the lyrics offensive, particularly Thicke repeatedly singing 'I know you want it' while T.I. raps: 'I'll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two."{{cite web|url=https://www.mic.com/articles/56069/a-feminist-takedown-of-robin-thicke-and-anyone-who-thinks-there-s-something-blurry-about-sexism|title=A Feminist Takedown of Robin Thicke, And Anyone Who Thinks There's Something 'Blurry' About Sexism|last=Plank|first=Elizabeth|publisher=Mic|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029053528/https://www.mic.com/articles/56069/a-feminist-takedown-of-robin-thicke-and-anyone-who-thinks-there-s-something-blurry-about-sexism|url-status=live}} Sezin Koehler of Pacific Standard said the lyrics suggest that "women are supposed to enjoy pain during sex or that pain is part of sex" and went on to find in the lyrics other parallels to the act of rape."{{cite web|last=Koehler|first=Sezin|date=September 19, 2013|title=From The Mouths of Rapists: The Lyrics of Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines'|url=https://psmag.com/social-justice/mouths-rapists-lyrics-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-66569|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919221203/https://psmag.com/social-justice/mouths-rapists-lyrics-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-66569|archive-date=September 19, 2020|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=Pacific Standard}}

Thicke told Howard Stern during an interview on The Howard Stern Show that "Blurred Lines" was inspired by his then-wife Paula Patton. He confessed to Stern: "My wife is Mrs. Good Girl, but gradually over our marriage, I've turned her into a bad girl."{{cite web|date=July 29, 2013|title=Robin Thicke Talks Weed, Sex, & Success With Howard Stern|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2013/07/29/robin-thicke-talks-weed-sex-success-with-howard-stern/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514200528/https://www.rap-up.com/2013/07/29/robin-thicke-talks-weed-sex-success-with-howard-stern/|archive-date=May 14, 2021|access-date=May 14, 2021|website=Rap-Up}}

"Blurred Lines" was panned by music critics, who stated that it glorifies rape culture.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/04/emily-ratajkowski-blurred-lines-video|title=Model Emily Ratajkowski: Blurred Lines video is 'the bane of my existence'|website=The Guardian|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108102720/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/04/emily-ratajkowski-blurred-lines-video|url-status=live}} The Daily Beast{{'s}} Tricia Romano described the track as "kind of rapey."{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/blurred-lines-robin-thickes-summer-anthem-is-kind-of-rapey|title='Blurred Lines,' Robin Thicke's Summer Anthem, Is Kind of Rapey|last=Tricia|first=Keith|website=The Daily Beast|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610071420/https://www.thedailybeast.com/blurred-lines-robin-thickes-summer-anthem-is-kind-of-rapey|url-status=live}} Callie Ahlgrim and Courteney Larocca of Insider commented in 2019 that "If you could cancel a song the way fans cancel artists, 'Blurred Lines' deserves to be that song." They continued, saying its "existence is a huge injustice to women everywhere."{{cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-songs-of-the-decade-2010s-2019-12|title=The 8 best and 8 worst songs of the decade|last1=Ahlgrim|first1=Callie|last2=Larocca|first2=Courteney|website=Insider|date=December 11, 2019|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20191216224147/https://www.insider.com/best%2Dand%2Dworst%2Dsongs%2Dof%2Dthe%2Ddecade%2D2010s%2D2019%2D12|url-status=live}} Spin magazine's Keith Harris remarked that the song is "a consensual two-way flirtation, a game both players get to win, with Thicke desperately launching goofball compliments at a woman who paws at him and prances away."{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/07/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-justin-timberlake/|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Is the Album Justin Timberlake Was Too Famous to Make|last=Harris|first=Keith|website=Spin|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020144322/https://www.spin.com/2013/07/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-justin-timberlake/|url-status=live}} Ann Powers for NPR declared that the verse: "I know you want it," objectifies women and condones rape.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/07/02/198097817/the-record-when-pop-stars-flirt-with-danger|title=When Pop Stars Flirt With Bad Taste|last=Powers|first=Ann|website=NPR|date=July 3, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430075755/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/07/02/198097817/the-record-when-pop-stars-flirt-with-danger|url-status=live}} Writing for The Independent, Mollie Goodfellow described Thicke as the "weaselly face of the rape anthem 'Blurred Lines'."{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/blurred-lines-and-marvin-gaye-robin-thicke-really-did-have-it-coming-a137766.html|title=Blurred Lines and Marvin Gaye: Robin Thicke really did have it coming|website=The Independent|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526050500/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/blurred-lines-and-marvin-gaye-robin-thicke-really-did-have-it-coming-a137766.html|url-status=live}}

Andy Hermann for The Village Voice stated that Thicke and Williams tried to ruin the summer of 2013 with their "smug turd of a pop tune" and deemed the song "terrible, tacky, [and] derivative."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/03/13/smug-turd-of-a-pop-song-blurred-lines-has-now-ruined-the-music-industry/|title=Smug Turd of a Pop Song 'Blurred Lines' Has Now Ruined the Music Industry|last=Hermann|first=Andy|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519003601/https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/03/13/smug-turd-of-a-pop-song-blurred-lines-has-now-ruined-the-music-industry/|url-status=live}} Writing for Rolling Stone, Rob Sheffield described "Blurred Lines" as "the worst song of this or any other year". He said he couldn't "remember the last time there was a hit song this ghastly – the sound of Adam Sandler taking a falsetto hate-whizz on Marvin Gaye's grave".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/blurred-lines-the-worst-song-of-this-or-any-other-year-187383/|title='Blurred Lines': The Worst Song of This or Any Other Year|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729120206/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/blurred-lines-the-worst-song-of-this-or-any-other-year-187383/|url-status=live}} Annie Zaleski of The A.V. Club said that the song's "old-man lecherousness and boys'-club friskiness . . . comes off as uncomfortable and demeaning."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-1798177514|title=Robin Thicke Blurred Lines|last=Zaleski|first=Annie|website=The A.V. Club|date=July 30, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807124610/https://music.avclub.com/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-1798177514|url-status=live}} Andy Kellman of AllMusic depicted "Blurred Lines" as a "marginalized genre of R&B".{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/blurred-lines-mw0002518827|title=Robin Thicke Blurred Lines|last=Kellman|first=Andy|publisher=AllMusic|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224224623/https://www.allmusic.com/album/blurred-lines-mw0002518827|url-status=live}} Greg Kot from the Chicago Tribune described the song's lyrics as "dunderheaded", while saying Thicke "scrapes bottom with his single-entendre come-on's."{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-robin-thicke-album-review-20130729-column.html|title=Robin Thicke, 'Blurred Lines' album review|last=Kot|first=Greg|website=Chicago Tribune|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130935/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-robin-thicke-album-review-20130729-column.html|url-status=live}} Trevor Anderson of Billboard opined it is "less a recall of a celebrated classic hit, but more a cautionary tale that still divides critics, creatives and consumers alike".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/songs-that-defined-the-decade/8544225/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-songs-that-defined-the-decade/|title=Songs That Defined the Decade: Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell's 'Blurred Lines'|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|magazine=Billboard|date=November 21, 2019|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526050501/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/songs-that-defined-the-decade/8544225/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-songs-that-defined-the-decade/|url-status=live}}

Some reviews, however, were more positive. Jim Farber, writing for New York Daily News, called the song "irresistible" and mentioned it had an "utter lack of pretense".{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-album-review-article-1.1411756|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines': Album review|last=Farber|first=Jim|website=New York Daily News|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102001102/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-album-review-article-1.1411756|url-status=live}} In her review for The Christian Science Monitor, Nekesa Mumbi Moody labeled the song as "undeniable", and wrote that it had become a "cultural flashpoint".{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Music/2013/0730/Robin-Thicke-Is-the-album-Blurred-Lines-worth-a-listen|title=Robin Thicke: Is the album 'Blurred Lines' worth a listen?|last=Nekesa Mumbi|first=Moody|website=The Christian Science Monitor|date=July 30, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928115200/https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Music/2013/0730/Robin-Thicke-Is-the-album-Blurred-Lines-worth-a-listen|url-status=live}} The staff of The New Zealand Herald lauded the track as "cool" and "inventive".{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/album-review-robin-thicke-blurred-lines/SY522T6F7CGAGZTHTD54TFVIAQ/|title=Album review: Robin Thicke, Blurred Lines|website=The New Zealand Herald|date=July 17, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011805/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/album-review-robin-thicke-blurred-lines/SY522T6F7CGAGZTHTD54TFVIAQ/|url-status=live}} The Ledger{{'s}} James C. McKinley Jr praised "Blurred Lines" as a "catchy come-on".{{cite web|url=https://www.theledger.com/news/20130721/robin-thicke-has-a-hit-on-his-hands-with-blurred-lines/1|title=Robin Thicke Has a Hit on His Hands With 'Blurred Lines'|last=McKinley|first=James C. Jr.|website=The Ledger|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011823/https://www.theledger.com/news/20130721/robin-thicke-has-a-hit-on-his-hands-with-blurred-lines/1|url-status=live}} Brendon Veevers for Renowned for Sound remarked the track "really shows off Thicke's vocal dexterity as he bends and blends playfully within 4 minutes of seductive, sexually charged beats and hooks alongside fellow heavyweights T.I and hit-maker Pharrell".{{cite web|url=http://renownedforsound.com/album-review-robin-thicke-blurred-lines/|title=Album Review: Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines|last=Kot|first=Greg|website=Renowned for Sound|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526050504/https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.06c6ee58c3810956b7509218508c7b56.html?origin=http%3A%2F%2Frenownedforsound.com|url-status=live}} The staff of Rolling Stone place it at number 50 on their 100 Best Songs of 2013, saying "thanks to its lascivious, Pharrell-spun hook, it held the whole world in its slightly skeevy grasp all summer long".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-38994/robin-thicke-feat-t-i-and-pharrell-blurred-lines-40333/|title=100 Best Songs of 2013|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 4, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026020814/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-38994/robin-thicke-feat-t-i-and-pharrell-blurred-lines-40333/|url-status=live}}

"Blurred Lines" has been nominated for multiple awards. It was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|title=Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List|magazine=Billboard|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410194651/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-z-macklemore-kendrick-lamar-dominate-2014-grammy-nominations-243994/|title=Jay Z, Macklemore, Kendrick Lamar Dominate 2014 Grammy Nominations|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 7, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127181416/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-z-macklemore-kendrick-lamar-dominate-2014-grammy-nominations-243994/|url-status=live}} and for Best Collaboration at the 2014 BET Awards.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/music/news/beyonce-jay-z-bet-awards-nominations-2014-1201180694/|title=Beyonce and Jay Z Lead 2014 BET Awards Nominations|work=Variety|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817224009/https://variety.com/2014/music/news/beyonce-jay-z-bet-awards-nominations-2014-1201180694/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6084917/beyonce-jay-z-lead-2014-bet-awards|title=Beyonce & Jay Z Lead 2014 BET Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517011351/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6084917/beyonce-jay-z-lead-2014-bet-awards|url-status=live}} It was nominated for Hip-Hop/R&B Song of the Year at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards,{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.28582/title.iheartradio-music-awards-2014-list-of-winners#|title=iHeartRadio Music Awards 2014 List Of Winners|work=HipHopDX|last=Tardio|first=Andres|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530035542/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.28582/title.iheartradio-music-awards-2014-list-of-winners|url-status=live}} and Single of the Year at the 2013 American Music Awards.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/10/american-music-awards-kelly-clarkson-will-i-am-announce-5-categories-on-gma/|title=American Music Awards: Kelly Clarkson, Will.i.am Announce 5 Categories on 'GMA'|publisher=ABC News|date=October 10, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000054/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/10/american-music-awards-kelly-clarkson-will-i-am-announce-5-categories-on-gma/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-music-awards-2013-nominations-announced-list-of-nominees-20131010/|title=American Music Awards 2013 Nominations Announced: List of Nominees!|last=Eggenberger|first=Nicole|work=Us Weekly|date=October 10, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507021014/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-music-awards-2013-nominations-announced-list-of-nominees-20131010/|url-status=live}} It was nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Song of the Summer at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, and for Best Song at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards. "Blurred Lines" won Top Hot 100 Song, Top Digital Song, Top Radio Song, and Top R&B Song at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2014/6092028/billboard-music-awards-winners-list-complete-full|title=Billboard Music Awards 2014: Full Winners List|magazine=Billboard|date=May 18, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521204159/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2014/6092028/billboard-music-awards-winners-list-complete-full|url-status=live}} It also won an award for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration at the 2013 Soul Train Music Awards,{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/6fcyj6/soul-train-awards-2013-winners/ksoik8|title=Soul Train Awards 2013 Winners|publisher=BET|date=November 6, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129030905/https://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards/2013/photos/show/soul-train-awards-2013-winners.html#!111513-shows-sta-2013-WINNER-Bunji-Garlin-press|url-status=live}} and Outstanding Duo or Group at the 45th NAACP Image Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/naacp-image-awards-winners-682585/|title=NAACP Image Awards: The Winners|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last1=Couch|first1=Aaron|last2=Washington|first2=Arlene|date=February 22, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516170544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/naacp-image-awards-winners-682585/|url-status=live}}

"Blurred Lines" was released as the lead single on March 26, 2013, from Thicke's studio album of the same name (2013), through Star Trak Recordings and Interscope Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blurred-Lines-feat-T-I-Pharrell/dp/B00CAKVECQ/|title=Blurred Lines [feat. T.I. & Pharrell] [Explicit]|publisher=Amazon Music|date=March 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006122652/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blurred-Lines-feat-T-I-Pharrell/dp/B00CAKVECQ/|url-status=live}} It was released to Contemporary hit radio on May 21, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05/21/2013&Format=1|title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: CHR/Top 40|work=Radio and Records|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194546/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05%2F21%2F2013&Format=1|archive-date=January 2, 2014}} It was released as a single with a remix by Filipino music producer Laidback Luke in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blurred-lines-feat.-t.i.-pharrell/id652760193|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015184355/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blurred-lines-feat.-t.i.-pharrell/id652760193|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2018|title=Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell) - Single|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=November 12, 2020}} A remix featuring Colombian singer J Balvin was released on July 23, 2013, in Colombia.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/co/album/blurred-lines-feat.-j-balvin/id673713207?ign-mpt=uo%3D2|title=Blurred Lines (feat. J Balvin & Pharrell) - Single|publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320144746/https://itunes.apple.com/co/album/blurred-lines-feat.-j-balvin/id673713207?ign-mpt=uo%3D2|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2017}} A no rap version of the track was released alongside Laidback Luke's remix and both music videos.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/blurred-lines-single/652918841|title=Blurred Lines - Single|date=January 2013|publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015184714/https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/blurred-lines-single/id652918841|access-date=November 12, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 15, 2018}} An EP featuring remixes by Laidback Luke, Australian producer Will Sparks, and American producer DallasK was made for the single.{{cite web|url=https://tidal.com/browse/album/21533092|title=Blurred Lines (The Remixes)|date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Tidal|access-date=November 12, 2020}} Another EP for was released for "Blurred Lines". The EP also features the Laidback Luke remix, "When I Get You Alone", "Lost Without U", "Magic", and "Sex Therapy".{{cite web|url=https://jaxsta.com/release/9d83ab0b-6ad0-4528-a9fe-3616b464a38f/eb9ce2e9-be12-530d-aea9-13c6084645d8/overview|title=Blurred Lines EP|publisher=Jaxsta|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526050503/https://jaxsta.com/release/9d83ab0b-6ad0-4528-a9fe-3616b464a38f/eb9ce2e9-be12-530d-aea9-13c6084645d8/overview|url-status=live}}

"Blurred Lines" debuted at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/ytsf8h/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-breaks-rb-hip-hop-record|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Breaks R&B/Hip-Hop Record|last=Muhammad|first=Latifah|publisher=BET|date=September 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126031354/https://www.bet.com/article/ytsf8h/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-breaks-rb-hip-hop-record|url-status=live}} After the song's unrated version of the video was released, the song rose from number 54 to number 11.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/1565535/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-surges-on-charts-thanks-to-a-nsfw|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Surges On Charts Thanks to a NSFW Kickstart|last=Payne|first=Chris|magazine=Billboard|date=May 31, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810173830/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/1565535/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-surges-on-charts-thanks-to-a-nsfw|url-status=live}} The track rose from number 11 to number 6, giving Thicke his first top 10 hit in the US.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565745/macklemore-ryan-lewis-still-atop-hot-100-robin-thicke-reaches-top-10|title=Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Still Atop Hot 100, Robin Thicke Reaches Top 10|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=June 5, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922094956/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565745/macklemore-ryan-lewis-still-atop-hot-100-robin-thicke-reaches-top-10|url-status=live}} The song would later rise from number six to number one in June 2013, giving T.I. his fourth, Pharrell his third, and Thicke's first number one hit in the US.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566519/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-hits-no-1-on-hot-100|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Hits No. 1 on Hot 100|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=June 12, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614154532/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566519/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-hits-no-1-on-hot-100|url-status=live}} "Blurred Lines" topped the Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, making it the longest running single of 2013.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/5827382/2013-year-end-hot-100-by-the-numbers|title=2013 Year-End Hot 100 By The Numbers|magazine=Billboard|date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219115456/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/5827382/2013-year-end-hot-100-by-the-numbers|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=December 19, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/katy-perry-roar-tops-blurred-lines_n_3872502|title=Katy Perry's 'Roar' Tops Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' On Billboard Hot 100, Becoming Singer's 8th No. 1 Hit|last=Jacobs|first=Matthew|work=HuffPost|date=September 5, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011935/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/katy-perry-roar-tops-blurred-lines_n_3872502|url-status=live}} Billboard named "Blurred Lines" the song of the summer in September 2013.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5687036/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-is-billboards-song-of-the-summer|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Is Billboard's Song of the Summer|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=September 5, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114001319/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5687036/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-is-billboards-song-of-the-summer|url-status=live}} On the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the song reigned at number one for 16 weeks, making it one longest tracks to stay at number one on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5733206/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-breaks-record-atop-hot-rbhip-hop|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Breaks Record Atop Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|magazine=Billboard|last=Ramirez|first=Rauly|date=September 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225121215/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5733206/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-breaks-record-atop-hot-rbhip-hop|url-status=live}} In June 2018, The single was certified a diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting track-equivalent sales of 10,000,000 units in the US based on sales and streams.

The song also peaked at number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40, Mainstream Top 40, and Rhythmic charts. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, selling 190,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-becomes-fastest-selling-single-of-2013-__3079/|title=Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines becomes fastest selling single of 2013!|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=June 2, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521015703/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-becomes-fastest-selling-single-of-2013-__3079/|url-status=live}} The remained at number one the following week, selling even more than it did in its first with 200,000 copies sold.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/robin-thicke-beats-own-record-to-score-biggest-one-week-sale-of-the-ye__3103/|title=Robin Thicke beats own record to score biggest one-week sale of the year!|last=Barstein|first=Brand|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=June 2, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521015705/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/robin-thicke-beats-own-record-to-score-biggest-one-week-sale-of-the-ye__3103/|url-status=live}} It spent five non-consecutive weeks at number one.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-becomes-best-selling-uk-single-in-2013-so-far/story-WGZNmbkpYx6LSEXejEvHsL.html|title=Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines becomes best-selling UK single in 2013 so far|work=Hindustan Times|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521015706/https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/robin-thicke-s-blurred-lines-becomes-best-selling-uk-single-in-2013-so-far/story-WGZNmbkpYx6LSEXejEvHsL.html|url-status=live}} "Blurred Lines" was confirmed to have sold 1 million copies on its 50th day of release, becoming Williams' second song in only a month to achieve that feat in Britain after being featured on Daft Punk single "Get Lucky".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-24380095|title=Blurred Lines becomes biggest-selling single of 2013|publisher=BBC|date=October 3, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521015703/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-24380095|url-status=live}} According to the Official Charts Company, the single became Britain's best-selling single of 2013 with sales of 1,472,681 copies.{{cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/official-charts-analysis-pharrell-williams-hits-no-1-with-106k-sales/057144|title=Official Charts Analysis: Pharrell Williams hits No.1 with 106k sales|work=Music Week|date=December 29, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521015709/https://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/official-charts-analysis-pharrell-williams-hits-no-1-with-106k-sales/057144|url-status=live}} It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with sales of 14.8 million,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/18/music-sales-ifpi-2013-spotify-streaming|title=Global music sales fell in 2013 despite strong growth for streaming services|work=The Guardian|last=Dredge|first=Stuart|date=March 18, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204032243/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/18/music-sales-ifpi-2013-spotify-streaming|url-status=live}} simultaneously breaking the record for the largest radio audience in history.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-radio-audience-record-20130726-story.html|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' sets radio audience record, label says|work=The Guardian|last=Wood|first=Mikael|date=July 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111195827/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-radio-audience-record-20130726-story.html|url-status=live}}

A music video for "Blurred Lines" was directed by Diane Martel and was released on March 20, 2013,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/pitch-perfect-3-voice-music-video-1202617959/|title='Blurred Lines' Director: 'I Don't Think the Video Is Sexist'|last=Dobbins|first=Amanda|website=Vulture|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=April 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429154555/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/pitch-perfect-3-voice-music-video-1202617959/|url-status=live}} while an unrated version was released on March 28, 2013.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwT6DZCQi9k| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/zwT6DZCQi9k| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines ft. T.I. & Pharrell (Unrated Version)|date=March 28, 2013|publisher=YouTube|access-date=April 29, 2020}}{{cbignore}} After being on the site for just under one week, the unrated version of the video was removed from YouTube on March 30, 2013, citing violations of the site's terms of service that restricts the uploading of videos containing nudity, particularly if used in a sexual context.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/youtube-banned-robin-thickes-video-for-blurred-lines-because-it-had-nude-girls|title=YouTube Banned Robin Thicke's Uncut Video For 'Blurred Lines' Because It Had Nude Girls|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|website=Complex|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311072649/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/youtube-banned-robin-thickes-video-for-blurred-lines-because-it-had-nude-girls|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/02/robin-thicke-racy-video-banned-youtube/|title=Robin Thicke video banned from YouTube|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810030129/https://ew.com/article/2013/04/02/robin-thicke-racy-video-banned-youtube/|url-status=live}} However, it was later restored on July 12, 2013.{{cite web|title=Officially NSFW: YouTube's Naked Lady Problem (NSFW) (Updated)|url=https://gizmodo.com/5993196/officially-nsfw-youtubes-naked-lady-problem|work=Gizmodo|date=April 1, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2013|author=Peter Ha|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015184810/https://gizmodo.com/5993196/officially-nsfw-youtubes-naked-lady-problem|url-status=live}} The unrated version of "Blurred Lines" generated more than one million views in the days following its release on Vevo.{{cite news|title='Blurred Lines' Banned By YouTube As Robin Thicke's Video Features Nude Models|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/blurred-lines-banned-by-youtube-robin-thicke-nude-models_n_2994676.html|work=Huffington Post (via the Associated Press)|date=April 1, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062522/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/blurred-lines-banned-by-youtube-robin-thicke-nude-models_n_2994676.html|url-status=live}}

Thicke told GQ they wanted to do "some old men dances" whilst jesting with taboo subjects such as bestiality, drug injections, and things that are "derogatory towards women". When it came to the silver Mylar balloons arrangement, Thicke said it was Martel's idea. They wanted to "go over the top" and be as witless as possible.

In an interview with Grantland, Martel stated that Thicke wanted her to make a white cyc video for "Blurred Lines". She heard the song and instantly fell in love with it. She sat and thought about the ideas for what the models could wear in the video. She realized they could wear shoes, and that it would get attention for the song and the artist. Martel said the hashtags were pretty obvious idea because she thought Robin's last name is strong and supposed it had subconscious connotations. Martel asked an art director named Georgia Walker to find "gross" and "oversized" props like a hose and stuffed dog. Martel said she wanted to deal with the "misogynist, funny lyrics in a way where the girls were going to overpower the men". She came up with the idea of a nude video but turned down the job after Thicke and his team refused. They came back later agreeing to do the nude video if Martel would do a clothed version.{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/qa-veteran-music-video-director-diane-martel-on-her-controversial-videos-for-robin-thicke-and-miley-cyrus/|title=Q&A: Veteran Music Video Director Diane Martel on Her Controversial Videos for Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus|last=Ducker|first=Eric|website=Grantland|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729110919/https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/qa-veteran-music-video-director-diane-martel-on-her-controversial-videos-for-robin-thicke-and-miley-cyrus/|url-status=live}} The video features Thicke, T.I., and Williams. It also includes three models: Emily Ratajkowski, Elle Evans, and Jessi M'Bengue.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blurred-lines-models-nsfw_n_3541691|title='Blurred Lines' Models: Who Are The Gorgeous Topless Women In The Racy Video? (NSFW Photos, Gifs)|last=Kornowski|first=Liat|website=The Huffington Post|date=July 9, 2013|accessdate=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514214550/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blurred-lines-models-nsfw_n_3541691|url-status=live}} The video features a "Robin Thicke Has a Big Dick" sign spelled out in silver Mylar balloons.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8260940/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-five-year-anniversary|title=The Murky Legacy of Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Five Years Later: Op-Ed|last=Jefferson|first=J'na|magazine=Billboard|date=March 26, 2013|accessdate=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514221834/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8260940/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-five-year-anniversary?utm_source=twitter|url-status=live}} The visual sees the topless models snuggling in bed with Thicke, meowing seductively at the camera, with one the models riding the stuffed dog while sticking her tongue out.

Kat Bein of Miami New Times described the visual as "misogynist", and said that it "objectifi[ed] naked women".{{cite web|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-is-about-rape-and-seven-other-songs-you-misunderstood-6436012|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Is About Rape and Seven Other Songs You Misunderstood|last=Bein|first=Kat|website=Miami New Times|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114015415/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-is-about-rape-and-seven-other-songs-you-misunderstood-6436012|url-status=live}} Bertie Brandes of Vice said the video is "a masterpiece of idiocy and the level of stupidity and arrogance required in order for a video this banal, offensive and unimaginative is almost impressive". She continues, saying "except, it's not impressive at all, is it? It's ugly sexist uninspired bullshit dressed up as naughtiness, and it's creepy".{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/jmkb87/robin-thickes-blurred-lines|title=Robin Thicke's New Video Is Horrible, Misogynist Bullshit|last=Brandes|first=Bertie|website=Vice|date=June 5, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111213236/http://www.vice.com/en/article/jmkb87/robin-thickes-blurred-lines|url-status=live}} Writing for Slate, Geeta Dayal called the video "loathsome".{{cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2013/12/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-its-sexist-and-awful.html|title=Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines': It's sexist and awful.|last=Dayal|first=Geeta|website=Slate|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117104153/https://slate.com/culture/2013/12/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-its-sexist-and-awful.html|url-status=live}} Aidan Moffat for The Quietus labeled it is as "awful, sexist and asinine".{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/15732-robin-thicke-blurred-lines-aidan-moffat-twitter|title=Blurred Lines & Crossed Wires: Aidan Moffat On Robin Thicke|last=Moffat |first=Aidan |website=The Quietus|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2020}} The Cut{{'s}} Ann Friedman mentions that her issue was not the naked women and it being inappropriate. She opined it "featuring naked models and clothed men in party mode is boring, uninventive, and slightly alienating".{{cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2013/07/blurring-the-lines-enjoying-maybe-sexist-music.html|title=Blurring the Lines: How to Enjoy Maybe-Sexist Music|last=Friedman|first=Ann|website=The Cut|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127190559/https://www.thecut.com/2013/07/blurring-the-lines-enjoying-maybe-sexist-music.html|url-status=live}}

Thicke responded to the negative criticism of the video. He said that the video of him dancing around with the naked models should only be controversial to "extra-religious people", and stated it was Martel's idea and actually preferred the clothed version and didn't even want to use the naked version until his wife and her friends said he should put out that video.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-rape-583092/|title=Robin Thicke to Critics Who Say 'Blurred Lines' Condones Rape: 'That's Ridiculous'|last=Lewis|first=Hilary|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232140/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-rape-583092/|url-status=live}} Thicke told Digital Spy the critics needed "to come up with something more original" when calling it sexist.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a488155/robin-thicke-on-sexist-video-critics-i-just-wanted-to-make-it-funny/|title=Robin Thicke on 'sexist' video critics: I just wanted to make it funny|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=Digital Spy|date=July 6, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232140/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a488155/robin-thicke-on-sexist-video-critics-i-just-wanted-to-make-it-funny/|url-status=live}} In February 2021, Thicke said to the New York Post that he was never going to make a video like "Blurred Lines" ever again.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/11/robin-on-blurred-lines-i-wont-make-videos-like-that-ever-again/|title=Robin Thicke on 'Blurred Lines': I won't make 'videos like that ever again'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|work=New York Post|date=February 11, 2021|access-date=May 11, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Ratajkowski at first defended the video, saying she didn't think it was sexist and was made with a "sarcastic attitude". She said that they were "being playful" and having a good time with their body. The model thought it was important for young women to have that confidence, and that it is actually celebrating women and their bodies.{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a23933/emily-ratajkowski-interview-blurred-lines/|title=Q&A: Emily Ratajkowski on 'Blurred Lines' and Her Song of the Summer|last=Ayers|first=Mike|work=Esquire|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213220751/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a23933/emily-ratajkowski-interview-blurred-lines/|url-status=live}} In an interview with InStyle in September 2015, Ratajkowski stated the video is "the bane of my existence".{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/692985/emily-ratajkowski-calls-blurred-lines-video-the-bane-of-my-existence-talks-nudity-and-body-image|title=Emily Ratajkowski Calls 'Blurred Lines' Video 'the Bane of My Existence,' Talks Nudity and Body Image|last=Heller|first=Corrine|work=E! Online|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514233149/https://www.eonline.com/news/692985/emily-ratajkowski-calls-blurred-lines-video-the-bane-of-my-existence-talks-nudity-and-body-image|url-status=live}} The visual was nominated for Video of the Year and Best Male Video at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1710689/vma-nominations-list-2013/|title=2013 Video Music Award Nominations: Get The Full List!|last=Montgomery|first=Jams|work=MTV|date=November 10, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=April 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420130937/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1710689/vma-nominations-list-2013.jhtml|url-status=dead}} It was also nominated for Best Video at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1717181/ema-winners-list-2013/|title=2013 MTV EMA: The Complete Winners List|publisher=MTV|date=November 10, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216075525/http://www.mtv.com/news/1717181/ema-winners-list-2013/|url-status=dead}}

One of the most controversial pop songs in history, "Blurred Lines" was criticized upon release for trivializing sexual violence, objectifying women, and "reinforcing rape myths."{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robin-thicke-s-number-one-single-blurred-lines-accused-reinforcing-rape-myths-8667199.html|title=Robin Thicke's number one single 'Blurred Lines' accused of reinforcing rape myths|last=Wyatt|first=Daisy|website=The Independent|date=November 6, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028195343/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robin-thicke-s-number-one-single-blurred-lines-accused-reinforcing-rape-myths-8667199.html|url-status=live}} Katie Russell, a spokeswoman for Rape Crisis England & Wales, a feminist charity that raises awareness and understanding of sexual violence, which it defines as "any sexual activity without consent,"{{Cite web |title=Rape Crisis England & Wales |url=https://rapecrisis.org.uk/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Rape Crisis England & Wales}} said the lyrics glamorized violence against women and reinforced rape myths. She thought the song's lyrics and music video seemed to objectify and degrade women, using "misogynistic language and imagery that many people would find not only distasteful or offensive but also really quite old fashioned." She concluded by saying certain lyrics are "explicitly sexually violent and appear to reinforce victim-blaming rape myths."

In the United Kingdom, more than 20 universities banned the song from use at student events. At the University of Edinburgh, students' association officials stated that the song violates its policy against "rape culture and lad banter" and promotes an unhealthy attitude towards sex and consent.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/13/blurred-lines-banned-edinburgh-university|title=Blurred Lines banned by Edinburgh University|last=Michaels|first=Sean|website=The Guardian|date=September 13, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727003812/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/13/blurred-lines-banned-edinburgh-university|url-status=live}} It was also banned at other British institutions, including Plymouth University, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds University, University of Derby, Queen Mary University of London, Kingston University, University of Bolton, Queen's University Belfast, University of Birmingham, University of East Anglia, University of the West of Scotland, and a number of Oxford and Durham colleges.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-24802633|title=Blurred Lines banned by University College London Union|last=Crooks|first=Del|publisher=BBC|date=November 4, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514204428/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-24802633|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10707937.university-of-bolton-students-union-bans-controversial-robin-thicke-song-blurred-lines/|title=University of Bolton students' union bans controversial Robin Thicke song Blurred Lines|last=Viden|first=Chloe|website=The Bolton News|date=September 30, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801210739/https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10707937.university-of-bolton-students-union-bans-controversial-robin-thicke-song-blurred-lines/|url-status=live}} Students at the University of Exeter voted for a condemnation of the lyrics to be issued by the Students' Guild.{{cite web|url=https://thetab.com/uk/exeter/2013/10/25/uoe-students-vote-not-to-ban-blurred-lines-12372|title=UoE Students Vote Not To Ban 'Blurred Lines'|last=Stupples|first=Ben|website=The Tab|date=October 25, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614005317/https://thetab.com/uk/exeter/2013/10/25/uoe-students-vote-not-to-ban-blurred-lines-12372|url-status=live}} In Marshfield, Wisconsin, Lisa Joling, head coach of the Marshfield High School dance team, was fired in August 2013, three days after a halftime performance by her dance class to the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.waow.com/story/23584436/2013/10/01/marshfield-coach-fired-after-blurred-lines-dance?hpt=us_bn9|title=Marshfield coach fired after 'Blurred Lines' dance|publisher=WAOW|date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235055/http://www.waow.com/story/23584436/2013/10/01/marshfield-coach-fired-after-blurred-lines-dance?hpt=us_bn9|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2013}}

Williams initially defended "Blurred Lines." The singer told NPR there was nothing misogynistic about it, and that he was grateful to everybody that supported the song.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/12/31/258406317/pharrell-williams-on-juxtaposition-and-seeing-sounds|title=Pharrell Williams On Juxtaposition And Seeing Sounds|publisher=NPR|date=December 31, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730171305/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/12/31/258406317/pharrell-williams-on-juxtaposition-and-seeing-sounds|url-status=live}} Further defending the song, Williams mentioned to Pitchfork that there was nothing controversial about the song and appreciated how "Blurred Lines" helped Thicke "to a place where he deserves to be vocally."{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/update/9343-pharrell/|title=Pharrell Williams|work=Pitchfork|last=Battan|first=Carrie|date=February 28, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613002935/https://pitchfork.com/features/update/9343-pharrell/|url-status=live}} In October 2019, Williams told GQ he "didn't get it" because he thought women enjoyed the song and connected to its "energetic spirit."{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/pharrell-new-masculinity-cover-interview|title=Pharrell on Evolving Masculinity and 'Spiritual Warfare'|work=GQ|last=Welch|first=Will|date=October 14, 2019|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726233209/https://www.gq.com/story/pharrell-new-masculinity-cover-interview|url-status=live}} The singer later stated, "we live in a chauvinist culture in our country. Hadn't realized that. Didn't realize that some of my songs catered to that."{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/14/entertainment/pharrell-blurred-lines|title=Pharrell explains how 'Blurred Lines' controversy helped him realize 'we live in a chauvinist culture'|work=CNN|last=Gonzalez|first=Sandra|date=October 14, 2019|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015053353/https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/14/entertainment/pharrell-blurred-lines/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/oct/14/pharrell-williams-denounces-blurred-lines|title='I realised we live in a chauvinist culture': Pharrell denounces Blurred Lines|work=The Guardian|last=Snapes|first=Laura|date=October 14, 2019|accessdate=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808175301/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/oct/14/pharrell-williams-denounces-blurred-lines|url-status=live}}

On October 3, 2021, Ratajkowski published an excerpt from her memoir My Body in the British newspaper The Sunday Times, in which she recounts that she was sexually harassed by Thicke during filming of the music video for "Blurred Lines":{{Cite news|first1=Emily|last1=Dugan|first2=Laura|last2=Hackett|title=Blurred Lines singer Robin Thicke assaulted me on set, says Emily Ratajkowski|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/blurred-lines-singer-robin-thicke-assaulted-me-on-set-says-emily-ratajkowski-dkgq83cpf|newspaper=The Times|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=October 5, 2021|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205100353/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/blurred-lines-singer-robin-thicke-assaulted-me-on-set-says-emily-ratajkowski-dkgq83cpf|url-status=live}}{{blockquote|"Suddenly, out of nowhere, I felt the coolness and foreignness of a stranger's hands cupping my bare breasts from behind, [...] I instinctively moved away, looking back at Robin Thicke. He smiled a goofy grin and stumbled backward, his eyes concealed behind his sunglasses. My head turned to the darkness beyond the set. [The director, Diane Martel's] voice cracked as she yelled out to me, 'Are you okay?' "}} The video director Diane Martel supported Ratajkowski by stating that she yelled at the singer asking for an explanation and immediately shutting down the shoot, getting a sheepish apology from Thicke, as if he knew it was wrong without understanding how it might have felt for Emily.{{cite magazine |last1=Etienne |first1=Vanessa |last2=Park |first2=Mary |title=Emily Ratajkowski Explains Why She Didn't Speak Out for Years After Robin Thicke Allegedly Groped Her |url=https://people.com/music/emily-ratajkowski-reveals-why-she-didnt-protest-after-robin-thicke-allegedly-groped-her/ |magazine=People |date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006122652/https://people.com/music/emily-ratajkowski-reveals-why-she-didnt-protest-after-robin-thicke-allegedly-groped-her/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Pharrell Williams v. Bridgeport Music}}

{{Further|List of songs that have been the subject of plagiarism disputes}}

In August 2013, Thicke, Williams, and T.I. sued Marvin Gaye's family and Bridgeport Music for a declaratory judgment that "Blurred Lines" did not infringe copyrights of the defendants. Gaye's family accused the song's authors of copying the "feel" and "sound" of "Got to Give It Up".{{cite web|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/03/blurred-lines-verdict-is-wrong-williams-and-thicke-did-not-infringe-on-marvin-gaye-copyright.html|title=Squelching Creativity|last1=Raustiala|first1=Kal|last2=Jon Sprigman|first2=Christopher|website=Slate|date=March 12, 2016|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519014730/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/03/blurred-lines-verdict-is-wrong-williams-and-thicke-did-not-infringe-on-marvin-gaye-copyright.html|url-status=live}} In the lawsuit, Gaye's family was accused of making an invalid copyright claim since only expressions, not individual ideas can be protected.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/robin-thicke-sues-protect-blurred-607492/|title=Robin Thicke Sues to Protect 'Blurred Lines' from Marvin Gaye's Family (Exclusive)|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 15, 2013|accessdate=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011944/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/robin-thicke-sues-protect-blurred-607492/|url-status=live}} In September 2014, The Hollywood Reporter released files relating to a deposition from the case.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/robin-thicke-admits-drug-abuse-732783/|title=Robin Thicke Admits Drug Abuse, Lying to Media in Wild 'Blurred Lines' Deposition (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=September 15, 2014|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511214752/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/robin-thicke-admits-drug-abuse-732783/|url-status=live}} Within the deposition Thicke stated that he was inebriated on Vicodin and alcohol when he showed up to record the song in the studio, and that Williams had the beat and wrote the vast majority of the song.{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/robin-thicke-says-he-can-t-be-blamed-for-blurred-lines-1798272100|title=Robin Thicke says he can't be blamed for 'Blurred Lines' because he was high|work=The A.V. Club|last=O'Neal|first=Sean|date=September 15, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040827/https://news.avclub.com/robin-thicke-says-he-can-t-be-blamed-for-blurred-lines-1798272100|url-status=live}} Within Williams' respective deposition file, the producer noted that he was "in the driver's seat" during the song's creation and agreed that Thicke, in past interviews, "embellished" his contributions to the songwriting process.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/sep/16/robin-thicke-lied-co-written-blurred-lines-pharrell|title=Robin Thicke reportedly says he lied about co-writing Blurred Lines|work=The Guardian|last=Michaels|first=Sean|date=September 16, 2014|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727011351/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/sep/16/robin-thicke-lied-co-written-blurred-lines-pharrell|url-status=live}}

On October 30, 2014, United States District Court for the Central District of California Judge John A. Kronstadt ruled the Gaye family's lawsuit against Thicke and Williams could proceed, stating the plaintiffs "have made a sufficient showing that elements of 'Blurred Lines' may be substantially similar to protected, original elements of 'Got to Give It Up'." The trial was set to begin on February 10, 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-blurred-lines-marvin-gaye-lawsuit-20141030-story.html|title=Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams lose first round in 'Blurred Lines' case|work=Los Angeles Times|last=Lewis|first=Randy|date=October 30, 2014|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015616/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-blurred-lines-marvin-gaye-lawsuit-20141030-story.html|url-status=live}} Williams and Thicke filed a successful motion in limine to prevent a recording of "Got to Give it Up" from being played during the trial.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/will-a-jury-get-hear-761443/|title=Will a Jury Get to Hear Marvin Gaye Sing at the 'Blurred Lines' Trial Next Month?|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=January 6, 2014|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519014734/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/will-a-jury-get-hear-761443/|url-status=live}} The motion was granted because the family's copyright covered the sheet music and not necessarily other musical elements from Gaye's recording of the song. On March 10, 2015, a jury found Thicke and Williams, but not T.I., liable for copyright infringement.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6495159/blurred-lines-trial-verdict|title='Blurred Lines' Trial Verdict: Jury Rules Against Pharrell Williams & Robin Thicke|magazine=Billboard|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125032059/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6495159/blurred-lines-trial-verdict|url-status=live}} The unanimous jury awarded Gaye's family {{USD}}7.4 million in damages for copyright infringement and credited Marvin Gaye as a songwriter for "Blurred Lines".{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/business/media/blurred-lines-infringed-on-marvin-gaye-copyright-jury-rules.html|title='Blurred Lines' Infringed on Marvin Gaye Copyright, Jury Rules|work=The New York Times|last1=Sisario|first1=Ben|last2=Smith|first2=Noah|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222939/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/business/media/blurred-lines-infringed-on-marvin-gaye-copyright-jury-rules.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/03/10/blurred-lines-trial-verdict/24492431/|title='Blurred Lines' jury finds for Marvin Gaye|work=USA Today|last=Oldenburg|first=Ann|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=March 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319231434/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/03/10/blurred-lines-trial-verdict/24492431/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/03/10/392179684/got-to-give-7-4-million-up-jury-finds-pharrell-and-thicke-copied-marvin-gaye-son|title=Got To Give $7.4 Million Up: Jury Finds Pharrell And Thicke Copied Marvin Gaye Song|publisher=NPR|last=Garsd|first=Jasmine|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007013438/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/03/10/392179684/got-to-give-7-4-million-up-jury-finds-pharrell-and-thicke-copied-marvin-gaye-son|url-status=live}} In July 2015, the judge rejected a new trial and the verdict was lowered from {{USD}}7.4 million to {{USD}}5.3 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/judge-rejects-new-blurred-lines-808725/|title=Judge Rejects New 'Blurred Lines' Trial, Trims Damages to $5.3 Million|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=July 14, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011915/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/judge-rejects-new-blurred-lines-808725/|url-status=live}}

In August 2016, Thicke, Williams, and T.I. appealed the judgment to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blurred-lines-creators-urge-appeals-922465/|title='Blurred Lines' Creators Urge Appeals Court to Reverse Marvin Gaye Family's Trial Victory|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=August 24, 2016|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519014734/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blurred-lines-creators-urge-appeals-922465/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pharrell-williams-robin-thicke-t-i-file-appeal-brief-on-blurred-lines-verdict-251751/|title=Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke, T.I. File Appeal Brief on 'Blurred Lines' Verdict|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=August 25, 2016|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108122815/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pharrell-williams-robin-thicke-t-i-file-appeal-brief-on-blurred-lines-verdict-251751/|url-status=live}} A few days later, more than 200 musicians – including Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, John Oates of Hall & Oates, R. Kelly, Hans Zimmer, Jennifer Hudson as well as members of Train, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Black Crowes, Fall Out Boy, the Go-Go's and Tears for Fears – filed an amicus curiae brief, authored by attorney Ed McPherson, in support of the appeal, stating that "the verdict in this case threatens to punish songwriters for creating new music that is inspired by prior works."{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blurred-lines-appeal-gets-support-924213/|title='Blurred Lines' Appeal Gets Support From More Than 200 Musicians|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=August 30, 2016|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011720/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blurred-lines-appeal-gets-support-924213/|url-status=live}} In December 2018, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's finding of infringement against Williams and Thicke.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/blurred-lines-ends-5-million-judgement-robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-1203089172/|title='Blurred Lines' Suit Ends With $5 Million Judgement Against Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams|work=Variety|date=December 13, 2018|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814063555/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/blurred-lines-ends-5-million-judgement-robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-1203089172/|url-status=live}} Both singers still had to pay Gaye's family {{USD}}5.3 million.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-blurred-lines-copyright-suit-final-5-million-dollar-judgment-768508/|title='Blurred Lines' Copyright Suit Against Robin Thicke, Pharrell Ends in $5M Judgment|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 13, 2018|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108125954/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robin-thicke-pharrell-williams-blurred-lines-copyright-suit-final-5-million-dollar-judgment-768508/|url-status=live}} Thicke was also ordered to pay more than {{USD}}1.7 million and Williams and his publishing company had to pay {{USD}}357,631 in separate awards to Gaye's estate.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/entertainment/robin-thicke-pharrell-blurred-lines/index.html|title='Blurred Lines' suit against Robin Thicke, Pharrell ends in $5 million judgment|last=Respers|first=Lisa|work=CNN|date=December 14, 2018|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108131334/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/entertainment/robin-thicke-pharrell-blurred-lines/index.html|url-status=live}} In December 2019, Gaye's family opened the lawsuit back up again, accusing Williams of lying under oath during the trial.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/marvin-gaye-family-tells-court-pharrell-williams-interview-shows-perjury-1258077/|title=Marvin Gaye Family Claims in Court That Pharrell Williams Committed Perjury|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=December 6, 2019|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011724/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/marvin-gaye-family-tells-court-pharrell-williams-interview-shows-perjury-1258077/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2019/12/07/blurred-lines-lawsuit-revived-claim-pharrell-williams-committed-perjury/4365282002/|title='Blurred Lines' lawsuit revived with claim Pharrell Williams committed perjury|work=The Tennessean|last=Tamburin|first=Adam|date=December 7, 2019|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526012024/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2019/12/07/blurred-lines-lawsuit-revived-claim-pharrell-williams-committed-perjury/4365282002/|url-status=live}} The plaintiffs cited a GQ interview from November of that same year in which Williams said he "reverse engineered" "Got to Give It Up",{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/pharrell-and-rick-rubin-blurred-lines-copyright-lawsuit|title=Rick Rubin on Pharrell's 'Blurred Lines' Lawsuit: 'A Feeling Is Not Something You Can Copyright'|work=GQ|date=November 4, 2019|accessdate=October 30, 2020|archive-date=October 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002093555/https://www.gq.com/story/pharrell-and-rick-rubin-blurred-lines-copyright-lawsuit|url-status=live}} saying that it countered his statement during a deposition that he "did not go in the studio with the intention of making anything feel like, or to sound like, Marvin Gaye."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/pharrell-williams-did-not-commit-perjury-in-blurred-lines-case-judge-rules/|title=Pharrell Williams did not commit perjury in 'Blurred Lines' case, judge rules|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Aquilina|first=Tyler|date=February 13, 2021|accessdate=May 24, 2021|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228134909/https://ew.com/music/pharrell-williams-did-not-commit-perjury-in-blurred-lines-case-judge-rules/|url-status=live}} In February 2021, Kronstadt ruled that Williams did not commit perjury, saying: "The statements by Williams during the November 2019 Interview were cryptic and amenable to multiple interpretations."{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/court-finds-pharrell-williams-didnt-commit-perjury-in-blurred-lines-case-2880059|title=Court finds Pharrell Williams didn't commit perjury in 'Blurred Lines' case|work=NME|last=Langford|first=Jackson|date=February 15, 2021|accessdate=May 24, 2021|archive-date=February 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221061021/https://www.nme.com/news/music/court-finds-pharrell-williams-didnt-commit-perjury-in-blurred-lines-case-288005|url-status=live}}

On May 14, 2013, Thicke performed the song for the first time live on NBC's The Voice alongside Williams and T.I.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/watch-robin-thicke-pharrell-ti-perform-blurred-lines-voice-155400/|title=Watch: Robin Thicke, Pharrell, T.I. Perform 'Blurred Lines' on The Voice|work=Vibe|author=Spowell|date=May 15, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011758/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/watch-robin-thicke-pharrell-ti-perform-blurred-lines-voice-155400/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/robin-thicke-pharrell-t-i-blurred-lines-live-the-voice-video.html|title=Robin Thicke x Pharrell x T.I. 'Blurred Lines' Live on The Voice|work=Okayplayer|author=Shamz|date=May 15, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011719/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/robin-thicke-pharrell-t-i-blurred-lines-live-the-voice-video.html|url-status=live}} Thicke also performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 16 with Pharrell and three models doing backup.{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7458710/robin-thicke-pharrell-blurred-lines-video-ellen?chrome=1|title=Watch Robin Thicke & Pharrell Perform 'Blurred Lines' On 'Ellen'|work=Idolator|last=Williot|first=Carl|date=May 16, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011719/https://www.idolator.com/7458710/robin-thicke-pharrell-blurred-lines-video-ellen?chrome=1|url-status=live}} In June 2013, Thicke performed the song alongside Williams with American actress Hayden Panettiere dancing to the song on the British television chat show The Graham Norton Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hayden-panettiere-joins-robin-thicke-1939830|title=Hayden Panettiere joins Robin Thicke onstage during his performance of Blurred Lines on The Graham Norton Show|work=Daily Mirror|last=Sampson|first=Issy|date=June 9, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302212509/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hayden-panettiere-joins-robin-thicke-1939830|url-status=live}} Thicke, Williams, and T.I. performed the song on the 2013 BET Awards on June 30, 2013. They performed against a backdrop of Thicke's name in giant red block letters.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1709806/bet-awards-2013-robin-thicke-blurred-lines/|title=Robin Thicke, Pharrell, T.I. Drops Sexy Serenade For 'Blurred Lines' At Bet Awards|work=MTV|last=Alexis|first=Nadeska|date=May 15, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011719/https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3R3ZWV0X2VtYmVkX2NsaWNrYWJpbGl0eV8xMjEwMiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJjb250cm9sIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH19&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=351503530877648896&lang=en&origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com%2Fnews%2F1709806%2Fbet-awards-2013-robin-thicke-blurred-lines%2F&sessionId=25afa3401436ce2129b9fb8824d8b9b17a9883c1&theme=light&widgetsVersion=82e1070%3A1619632193066&width=550px|url-status=dead}} Thicke also performed the track solo on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge on July 8, 2013,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4HLrT00dA4|title=Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines in the Live Lounge|date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 22, 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213133838/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4HLrT00dA4|url-status=live}} as well as This Morning on July 10, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7470104/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-this-morning-watch|title=Robin Thicke Performs 'Blurred Lines' On 'This Morning': Watch|work=Idolator|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011723/https://www.idolator.com/7470104/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-this-morning-watch|url-status=live}}

Thicke also performed the song complete with dancers in studio on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM Radio on July 29, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.howardstern.com/news/2013/07/29/robin-thicke-performs-blurred-lines-in-studio-69/|title=Robin Thicke Performs 'Blurred Lines' in Studio 69|work=The Howard Stern Show|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011724/https://www.howardstern.com/news/2013/07/29/robin-thicke-performs-blurred-lines-in-studio-69/|url-status=live}} He also performed the song on The Colbert Report on August 6, 2013, after French duo Daft Punk canceled.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/08/robin-thicke-colbert-daft-punk-cancel-blurred-lines-get-lucky-cameos-video/|title=Robin Thicke Rescues 'Colbert,' With Famous Help, After Daft Punk Lamely Cancel|work=Spin|last=Hogan|first=Marc|date=August 7, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519105009/https://www.spin.com/2013/08/robin-thicke-colbert-daft-punk-cancel-blurred-lines-get-lucky-cameos-video/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/stephen-colbert-offers-details-on-daft-punk-drama-179243/|title=Stephen Colbert Offers Details on Daft Punk Drama|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Reed|first=Ryan|date=August 13, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112034317/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/stephen-colbert-offers-details-on-daft-punk-drama-179243/|url-status=live}} On September 20, he performed "Blurred Lines" at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/09/21/iheartradio-music-festival-queen-katy-perry-elton-john/2846077/|title=Robin Thicke suffers iHeartRadio wardrobe malfunction|work=USA Today|last=Mansfield|first=Brian|date=September 21, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214122710/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/09/21/iheartradio-music-festival-queen-katy-perry-elton-john/2846077/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/461527/robin-thicke-suffers-a-wardrobe-malfunction|title=Robin Thicke Suffers a Wardrobe Malfunction|work=E! Online|last1=Fowler|first1=Brandy|last2=Cooper|first2=Jennifer|date=September 21, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=March 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314185300/http://www.eonline.com/news/461527/robin-thicke-suffers-a-wardrobe-malfunction|url-status=live}} On November 10, Thicke performed the song with Iggy Azalea at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2013/11/10/video-robin-thicke-performs-with-iggy-azalea-at-mtv-ema/|title=Robin Thicke Performs with Iggy Azalea at MTV EMA|work=Rap-Up|date=November 10, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126204915/https://www.rap-up.com/2013/11/10/video-robin-thicke-performs-with-iggy-azalea-at-mtv-ema/|url-status=live}} In December, he performed the song at Jingle Ball 2013 concerts.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2013/10/11/2013-jingle-ball-lineup-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-enrique-iglesias-paramore-ariana-grande-and-more/|title=2013 Jingle Ball lineup: Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Enrique Iglesias, Paramore, Ariana Grande and more|work=Tampa Bay Times|last=Cridlin|first=Jay|date=October 14, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011725/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2013/10/11/2013-jingle-ball-lineup-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-enrique-iglesias-paramore-ariana-grande-and-more/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/z100s-jingle-ball-2013-with-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-pitbull-enrique-iglesias-macklemore-and-ryan-lewis-selena-gomez-and-more|title=Z100's Jingle Ball 2013 with Miley Cyrus + Robin Thicke + Pitbull + Enrique Iglesias + Macklemore and Ryan Lewis + Selena Gomez and more|work=Time Out|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107173315/http://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/z100s-jingle-ball-2013-with-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-pitbull-enrique-iglesias-macklemore-and-ryan-lewis-selena-gomez-and-more|url-status=live}} In May 2014, Williams performed the song as part of a medley at the iHeartRadio Awards where he received the iHeartRadio Innovator Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tears-joy-pharrell-happy-awards-show-wbna55087069|title=Tears of joy: Pharrell 'happy' at awards show|work=USA Today|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011725/https://www.today.com/popculture/tears-joy-pharrell-happy-awards-show-wbna55087069|url-status=live}} In May 2017, Thicke performed the song at the 4th Indonesian Choice Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnNzZ4Q8WHw|title=Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines - Live from Net 4.0 presents Indonesian Choice Awards 2017|date=June 14, 2017 |publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 22, 2019|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301214830/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnNzZ4Q8WHw|url-status=live}}

Thicke performed "Blurred Lines" as a duet with American singer Miley Cyrus at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, medleyed with Cyrus' "We Can't Stop" and "Give It 2 U", featuring 2 Chainz.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5672590/miley-cyrus-gets-furry-teams-with-robin-thicke-for-blurred-lines-at-mtv-vmas|title=Miley Cyrus Gets Furry, Teams With Robin Thicke for 'Blurred Lines' at MTV VMAs|magazine=Billboard|date=August 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430203045/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5672590/miley-cyrus-gets-furry-teams-with-robin-thicke-for-blurred-lines-at-mtv-vmas|url-status=live}} The performance began with Cyrus performing "We Can't Stop" in bear-themed attire.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1713017/miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-vma-twerk/|title=Miley Cyrus Twerks, Gives Robin Thicke Some Tongue At VMAs|publisher=MTV News|last=Mylnar|first=Phillip|date=August 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013516/http://www.mtv.com/news/1713017/miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-vma-twerk/|url-status=dead}} Following this, Thicke entered the stage and Cyrus stripped down to a small skin-colored two-piece outfit. Cyrus subsequently touched Thicke's crotch area with a giant foam finger and twerked against his crotch.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/look-back-miley-cyruss-degrading-vmas-performance-foam-finger-5-years-ago-today-150425936.html|title=A look back at Miley Cyrus's 'degrading' VMAs performance with a foam finger: 5 years ago today|publisher=Yahoo!|last=Byrne|first=Suzy|date=August 25, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323155743/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/look-back-miley-cyruss-degrading-vmas-performance-foam-finger-5-years-ago-today-150425936.html|url-status=live}} The performance drew extensive reactions and became the most tweeted about event in history, with Twitter users generating 360,000 tweets about the event per minute; breaking the previous record held by Beyoncé's Super Bowl XLVII halftime show performance six months earlier.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/vmas-2013-celebs-react-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-performance-article-1.1437027|title=VMAs 2013: Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke performance draws negative reactions from fellow celebrities|work=New York Daily News|last=Monde|first=Chiderah|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924085322/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/vmas-2013-celebs-react-miley-cyrus-robin-thicke-performance-article-1.1437027|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1713119/vma-ratings-record/|title=Thanks Miley! 2013 VMAs Shatter Twitter Records|publisher=MTV News|date=August 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016182057/http://www.mtv.com/news/1713119/vma-ratings-record/|url-status=dead}}

Critics universally panned the performance. Shirley Halperin for The Hollywood Reporter described the performance as "crass" and "reminiscent of a bad acid trip".{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/note-miley-cyrus-please-stop-614407/|title=Note to Miley Cyrus: Please Stop; Plus Other VMAs Ruminations|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515031236/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/note-miley-cyrus-please-stop-614407/|url-status=live}} Writing for the American news program Today, Anna Chan called the performance "embarrassingly raunchy",{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/miley-cyrus-gets-embarrassingly-raunchy-vmas-8C10996038|title=Miley Cyrus gets embarrassingly raunchy at the VMAs|work=Today|last=Chan|first=Ann|date=August 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104234733/https://www.today.com/popculture/miley-cyrus-gets-embarrassingly-raunchy-vmas-8C10996038|url-status=live}} while Katy Kroll of Rolling Stone labeled it a "hot mess".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/twerk-it-out-miley-and-robins-vma-performance-one-year-later-65286/|title=Twerk It Out: Miley and Robin's VMA Performance, One Year Later|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Kroll|first=Katy|date=August 25, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124231933/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/twerk-it-out-miley-and-robins-vma-performance-one-year-later-65286/|url-status=live}} The performance was described by XXL critic B. J. Steiner as a "trainwreck in the classic sense of the word as the audience reaction seemed to be a mix of confusion, dismay and horror in a cocktail of embarrassment".{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/the-most-awkward-hip-hop-moments-at-mtvs-2013-video-music-awards/|title=The Most Awkward Hip-Hop Moments At MTV's 2013 Video Music Awards|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Steiner|first=B. J.|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126041130/https://www.xxlmag.com/the-most-awkward-hip-hop-moments-at-mtvs-2013-video-music-awards/|url-status=live}} Louisa Peacock and Isabelle Kerr of Telegraph described Cyrus' actions as her going into "overdrive [...] trying to kill off her Disney millstone, Hannah Montana.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10267842/MTV-Video-Music-Awards-2013-Miley-Cyrus-and-that-performance-the-reasons-why-everybodys-talking-about-it.html|title=MTV Video Music Awards 2013: Why everybody's talking about Miley Cyrus and that performance|last1=Peacock|first1=Louisa|last2=Kerr|first2=Isabelle|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=August 27, 2013|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007185349/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10267842/MTV-Video-Music-Awards-2013-Miley-Cyrus-and-that-performance-the-reasons-why-everybodys-talking-about-it.html|url-status=live}} In July 2017, Cyrus said she felt sexualized while twerking during the performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-40618010|title=Miley Cyrus 'felt sexualised' while twerking during 2013 MTV VMA performance|publisher=BBC|date=July 15, 2017|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310042651/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-40618010|url-status=live}}

• On the June 12, 2013, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in which Thicke and Pharrell were both guests, they aired a parody version of the "Blurred Lines" video in which host Jimmy Kimmel and his sidekick Guillermo attempt to join Thicke, Pharrell, and the dancers but keep getting rebuffed.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTqmiwHHktE|title = Jimmy Kimmel and Guillermo in 'Blurred Lines' (feat. Robin Thicke and Pharrell)|access-date = November 14, 2020|date = June 13, 2013|publisher = YouTube|archive-date = May 26, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210526012101/https://www.youtube.com/pagead/paralleladinteraction?ai%3DC%2DNBRb6KtYP3AKo6Ln88Pl_yD%2DAUAAAAQASAAYMkGggEXY2EtcHViLTYyMTk4MTE3NDcwNDkzNzGoAwSqBBtP0HJLfpeftvpp8wNdDHkEj_6KXl7XnRtrQa2oB4QIkggLSkxmY0pnRncxUzjSCAIQAbALAboLJQgBEAEYCSACKAIwAUABSAFYLGAAaABwAYgBAJgBAbgB7beFiBWQFgGgFwE%26sigh%3DEauBS5Z9y0s%26cid%3DCAASFeRopoJoWiZHk%2DZ08uoyLJCFHymerQ%26ad_mt%3D0%26acvw%3D%5BVIEWABILITY%5D%26gv%3D%5BGOOGLE_VIEWABILITY%5D%26label%3Dvideoplayfailed402|url-status = live}}
• On August 2, 2013, Bart Baker released a parody of "Blurred Lines" on his YouTube channel.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3twwafch4g|title = Robin Thicke - 'Blurred Lines' Parody|access-date = November 14, 2020|date = August 2, 2013|publisher = YouTube|archive-date = November 26, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201126015657/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3twwafch4g&ab_channel=BartBaker|url-status = live}}
• On September 11, 2013, the drag queen group DWV (Detox, Willam Belli, and Vicky Vox), released a parody called "Blurred Bynes". The song is about Amanda Bynes and her behavior in the previous months.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr51afj7eJY|title = Blurred Bynes by DWV (Detox, Willam & Vicky Vox)|access-date = November 14, 2020|date = September 11, 2013|publisher = YouTube|archive-date = November 25, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202916/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr51afj7eJY&ab_channel=willambelli|url-status = live}}
• On September 17, 2013, a parody music video featuring then-AKB48 members Yuko Oshima and Haruna Kojima was released on YouTube as a collaboration between Thicke and AKB48 to promote the song in Japan.{{cite news | url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/15304/2 | title=ロビン・シックがAKB48とコラボ、大島優子と小嶋陽菜がパロディービデオ出演 | trans-title=Robin Thicke collaborates with AKB48, Yuko Oshima and Haruna Kojima appear in parody music video | language=ja | work=Billboard Japan | date=2013-09-17 | accessdate=2023-09-10 | archive-date=October 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006122547/https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/15304/2 | url-status=live }}
• On November 5, 2013, Dave Callan, as part of his review of Just Dance 2014 on the ABC show Good Game performed a parody of the music video in response to the incorrect choreography of the song in the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TskRX86dIX0|title=Dave Callan's Bearded Lines|date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=ABC: Good Game, Episode 39 Season 9|access-date=November 9, 2013|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015185148/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TskRX86dIX0|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ3YDhhrLPw|title=Good Game Episode 39 Season 9|date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=Youtube|access-date=November 9, 2013|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015183925/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ3YDhhrLPw|url-status=live}}
• On December 19, 2013, the Canadian sketch comedy group Royal Canadian Air Farce released a parody of the music video called "Rob Ford's Blurred Lines", highlighting the recent admissions by Toronto mayor Rob Ford of public drunkenness and using crack cocaine.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbj2T6oPxUc|title = Air Farce: Rob Ford's Blurred Lines|access-date = November 14, 2020|date = December 19, 2013|publisher = YouTube|archive-date = November 25, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201125180258/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbj2T6oPxUc&ab_channel=CBC|url-status = live}}
• On July 15, 2014, "Weird Al" Yankovic released a parody of the song entitled "Word Crimes" from his album Mandatory Fun. A music video for the song was released the same day.{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Weird Al Shows Off Big Dictionary in Robin Thicke Parody 'Word Crimes'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/weird-al-shows-off-big-dictionary-in-robin-thicke-parody-word-crimes-249701/|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 15, 2020|date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126065711/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/weird-al-shows-off-big-dictionary-in-robin-thicke-parody-word-crimes-249701/|url-status=live}}
• In September 2021, singer Devon Cole released a rewritten version of the song on TikTok to highlight the importance of consent.{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Sinead |date=Sep 27, 2021 |title=Singer praised on TikTok after rewriting hit song 'Blurred Lines' to highlight importance of consent |url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/tiktok-singer-rewrites-blurred-lines-consent-b1927581 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Indy100 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Noyce |first=Eleanor |date=2022-03-01 |title=TikTok Has Turned Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" Into A Feminist Anthem |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-consent-tiktok-singer-cover-new-lyrics |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Bustle |language=en |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831111932/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-consent-tiktok-singer-cover-new-lyrics |url-status=live }}

• Digital download and streaming

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) – 4:22

• Colombia single

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and J Balvin) – 4:22

• UK single

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Clean] – 4:22
2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell & T.I.) [Laidback Luke Remix] – 4:39

• No Rap single

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams) [No Rap Version] – 3:50
2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell and T.I.) [Laidback Luke Remix] – 4:40
3. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Music Video] – 4:33
4. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Music Video – Clean] – 4:33

• The Remixes

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell and T.I.) (Laidback Luke Remix) – 4:40
2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell and T.I.) (Will Sparks Remix) – 5:08
3. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell and T.I.) (DallasK Remix) – 5:00

• EP

1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) – 4:23
2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell & T.I.) [Laidback Luke Remix] – 4:40
3. "When I Get You Alone" – 3:36
4. "Lost Without U" – 4:14
5. "Magic" – 3:53
6. "Sex Therapy" – 4:35

Credits and personnel adapted from Blurred Lines album liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|others=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|year=2013|type=Inlay cover|publisher=Star Trak Entertainment|id=B0018767-02}}

• Robin Thicke – writer, vocals
• Pharrell Williams – writer, vocals, producer, instruments
• T.I. – writer, vocals
• Marvin Gaye – writer{{Efn|name=credit}}
• Andrew Coleman – recording, digital editing, arrangement
• Todd Hurt – recording assistant
• Tony Maserati – mixing at Mirrorball Studios (North Hollywood)
• Justin Hergett – mixing assistant
• James Krausse – mixing assistant
• Chris Tabron - mixing assistant
• Chris Gehringer – mastering

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=9|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=June 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=June 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2013|certyear=2024|access-date=July 13, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|award=Platinum|number=9|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|digital=true |salesamount=706,000 |salesref={{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/5869529/canadas-digital-music-sales-rise-in-2013-unlike-the-us|title=Canada's Digital Music Sales Rise in 2013 Unlike the U.S.; Eminem, Robin Thicke Among Top Selling Artists|last=Bliss|first=Karen|date=January 10, 2014|access-date=January 11, 2014|magazine=Billboard | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704054840/https://www.billboard.com/articles//5869529/canadas-digital-music-sales-rise-in-2013-unlike-the-us/| archive-date=July 4, 2020|url-status=dead}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|relyear=2013|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|award=Platinum|certyear=2013|type=single|id=6150|access-date=November 2, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|award=Diamond|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=September 7, 2014|certref={{cite web|url=http://www.snepmusique.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Certifications_Single_2013.pdf|title=Certifications Single – Year 2013|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|access-date=March 5, 2014|type=PDF|language=fr|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030248/http://www.snepmusique.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Certifications_Single_2013.pdf|url-status=live}}|salesamount=311,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-92805.html|title=Top 100 des singles les plus vendus en France du millénaire, épisode 1 (100-91)|publisher=Pure Charts|website=Charts in France|access-date=10 May 2022|language=fr|date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=May 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510124414/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-92805.html|url-status=live}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2013|certyear=2024|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=March 20, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|relyear=2013|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|award=Platinum|number=4|certyear=2014|type=single|id=2755}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|relyear =2013|certyear=2014|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=March 5, 2014}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|type=single|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=October 22, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Robin Thicke feat. TI And Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|relyear=2013|certyear=2015|award=Platinum|number=6|source=radioscope|access-date=January 28, 2025|type=single}}

{{certification Table Entry|region=Norway|artist=Robn Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2013|access-date=August 23, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea (Gaon Chart)|type=single|nocert=yes|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines (Feat. T.I. & Pharrell)|salesamount=86,552|note=Single version|salesref={{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=06¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |title=GAON DOWNLOAD CHART – 2013년 6월 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |language=ko |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195757/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=06¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}

• {{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=07¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |title=GAON DOWNLOAD CHART – 2013년 7월 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |language=ko |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055131/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=07¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |archive-date=September 21, 2013}}
• {{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=08¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |title=GAON DOWNLOAD CHART – 2013년 8월 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |language=ko |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191020/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=08¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}
• {{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=09¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |title=GAON DOWNLOAD CHART – 2013년 9월 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |language=ko |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193815/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_month=09¤t_year=2013&chart_Time=month |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea (Gaon Chart)|type=single|nocert=yes|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines (T.I. & Pharrell)|salesamount=101,293|note=Album version|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region = Spain|award = Gold|relyear = 2013|type = single|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell Williams|title=Blurred Lines|access-date=October 16, 2013|id=robin-thicke-blurred-lines-feat-j-balvin-pharrell}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|relyear=2013|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|certyear=2013|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single| access-date=November 1, 2020 |certweek=41}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|relyear=2013|artist=Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|certyear=2013|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|access-date=June 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Robin Thicke/Ti/Pharrell|title=Blurred Lines|award=Platinum|number=4|salesamount=1,630,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed__9816/|title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles of the Millennium so far revealed|last=Copsey|first=Rob|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=June 13, 2015|archive-date=June 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613234015/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed__9816/|url-status=live}}|id=9638-2814-1|access-date=June 26, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|title=Blurred Lines|artist=Robin Thicke|award=Diamond|relyear=2013|certyear=2018|access-date=April 4, 2020|refname="UScert"}}

{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|relyear=2013|artist=Robin Thicke|title=Blurred Lines|award=Platinum|number=4|certyear=2014|certmonth=01|type=single|id=5805|streamsonly=true|refname=DNKstreaming|access-date=November 29, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|streamsonly=true}}

• 2013 in American music
• List of best-selling singles
• List of best-selling singles in the United States
• List of best-selling singles in Australia
• List of highest-certified digital singles in the United States
• List of million-selling singles in the United Kingdom
• List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 2013
• List of Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles in 2013
• List of number-one R&B/hip-hop songs of 2013 (U.S.)
• List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2013 (Canada)
• List of number-one singles of 2013 (Australia)
• List of number-one singles of 2013 (South Africa)
• Word Crimes, the Weird Al parody of the song.

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{YouTube|yyDUC1LUXSU|"Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell" music video}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8bbbdYpDvg side-by-side views of the official and unrated versions of the controversial "Blurred Lines" videos]

{{Robin Thicke}}

{{Pharrell Williams singles}}

{{T.I. singles}}

{{Best-selling singles worldwide (by year)}}

{{UK best-selling singles (by year) 2010–2029}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2012 songs

Category:2013 singles

Category:APRA Award winners

Category:Robin Thicke songs

Category:T.I. songs

Category:Pharrell Williams songs

Category:Songs written by Robin Thicke

Category:Songs written by Pharrell Williams

Category:Songs written by T.I.

Category:Songs written by Marvin Gaye

Category:Songs written by Ed Townsend

Category:Song recordings produced by Pharrell Williams

Category:Music video controversies

Category:Number-one singles in Australia

Category:Number-one singles in Austria

Category:Number-one singles in Germany

Category:Number-one singles in Israel

Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand

Category:Number-one singles in Poland

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:South African Airplay Chart number-one singles

Category:Number-one singles in Switzerland

Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:Canadian Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:Record Report Pop Rock General number-one singles

Category:Music videos directed by Diane Martel

Category:Interscope Records singles

Category:Star Trak Entertainment singles

Category:2013 controversies

Category:Obscenity controversies in music

Category:Songs involved in plagiarism controversies

Category:Songs involved in royalties controversies