Beyonce sued over Formation opening

Beyonce is facing a $20 million lawsuit amid allegations she illegally sampled a late rapper's lyrics in the video version of her hit song Formation.

Messy Mya's raspy voice can be heard at the start of the promo, asking, "What happened after New Orleans?" as footage of Beyonce standing on top of a sinking city police car flashes across the screen.

A few other lines from the YouTube star, real name Anthony Barre, are featured elsewhere in the video, but now his estate officials claim Beyonce used the lyrics from his 2010 track A 27 Piece Huh? without permission.

According to TMZ.com, they tried to reach out to the pregnant superstar to address the issue, but she reportedly ignored them.

Now the Barre family is taking Beyonce to court, demanding $20 million in back royalties and other damages.

The New Orleans, Louisiana rapper was shot and killed in 2010.

Representatives for Beyonce have yet to comment on the accusations.