Elton Sez 'No'.

ELTON: Nyet

A spokesperson for Elton John is dismissing a claim that he and his lyricist Bernie Taupin ripped off the lyrics to their 1985 song "Nikita." Songwriter Guy Hobbs has filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois, claiming that his song "Natasha," about his 1982 affair with a Russian cruise ship waitress, is similar to Elton's "Nikita." He says he copyrighted his song and sent it to multiple publishing companies, including one that used to handle Elton and Bernie's songs.

But a statement from Elton's office says, "Elton and Bernie do not know the plaintiff, nor did they make use of any song lyrics he claims to have written when they wrote 'Nikita'... The fact that Hobbs has chosen to wait more than 26 years after the release of 'Nikita' to bring this lawsuit calls his motives into question."

Hobbs is claiming copyright infringement and is seeking unspecified damages.

Elton starts a 15-date run on Friday as part of his Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace.