Britney Spears Rips Off Song? [VIDEO]

Since BRITNEY SPEARS announced her new single, "Hold It Against Me," many have noted its lyrical similarity to a song that was popular in 1979 by the country duo THE BELLAMY BROTHERS, titled "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me." Now, the Bellamy Brothers themselves are crying foul, accusing Britney of ripping them off.

In a statement, DAVID BELLAMY says that their 1979 hit "has since become one of the defining songs of our career," and adds, "If you listen to the lyrics of Britney Spears' new single, you'll find some major similarities." Indeed, the lyrics of Britney's single go, "If I said I want your body now/Would you hold it against me."

David adds that his bandmate and brother HOWARD "have no personal beef with Britney," calling her "a talented gal." But, he adds, "Professionally, well, in all honesty, we feel completely ripped off. Where's the originality?" Howard chimed in, "Hey, Britney -- if I said you ripped off our song, would you hold it against me? Thanks." It's worth noting that Britney didn't actually write "Hold it Against Me" -- it was written by four other people, including DR. LUKE, MAX MARTIN and the woman who sang on the demo, BONNIE MCKEE.

Since the announcement of Britney's song, the Bellamy Brothers have seen YouTube views for "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" surge to 270 thousand views overnight. (ABC Eprep)