In a landmark 1994 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the rap group 2 Live Crew, affirming that parodies can constitute “fair use” under copyright law. The case centered around the group’s humorous reworking of the classic Roy Orbison hit “Oh, Pretty Woman.” The Court’s deliberation highlighted the balance between copyright protections and the First Amendment rights to free expression and artistic creativity. The legal saga began when 2 Live Crew released a version of “Oh, Pretty Woman” that satirized the original, prompting Orbison’s estate to file a lawsuit against the group for copyright infringement. The case raised critical questions about the extent of copyright protection and the boundaries of creative expression. By incorporating elements of the original song while delivering a distinct message, 2 Live Crew maintained that their rendition was a form of commentary and critique, a core principle supporting fair use. In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court sided with 2 Live Crew, stating that parody serves an important role in cultural discourse. The Justices emphasized that while the original work’s market value must be considered, transformative use—where the new work conveys a different message or meaning—aspects essential to fair use had been met. This decision not only set a precedent for future cases involving parody and copyright but also underscored the importance of protecting artistic expression in various forms. The ruling celebrated creative freedom, allowing artists to draw inspiration from existing works while providing a framework to ensure that such creations can coexist with the original. Ultimately, the Court’s ruling reaffirmed the cultural significance of parody in American art and entertainment, fostering an environment where creative voices continue to thrive.