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Israeli singer nabbed in connection with leaked Madonna tracks

Singer Madonna, top, performs with LMFAO during the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. She's celebrating the arrest of a man who allegedly hacked her computer, leaked unreleased music.
(Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)
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When a dozen new demos by pop singer Madonna leaked at the end of 2014, the news not only confirmed the artist’s direction on her forthcoming album “Rebel Heart” but forced her to shift her plans for 2015 world domination. In an Instagram post published just after the mid-December leak, she described herself as being “violated as a human being and as an artist” by the leak.

The person allegedly responsible for that hack and leak was arrested in Israel on Wednesday after a joint operation by Israeli police and the FBI. Adi Lederman, 38, was charged with hacking into Madonna’s computer and stealing files including the unreleased music. The theft led Madonna to quickly release finished versions of six tracks to iTunes months before their planned unveiling.

According to the Associated Press, the accused was known to fans of the Israeli TV show “A Star is Born” for his 2012 effort to land a coveted spot on the “American Idol”-like competition. Lederman was shown in a tryout singing Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry About a Thing.”

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In a statement published on Madonna’s Facebook page after news of the arrest broke, the Queen of Pop wrote:

“I am profoundly grateful to the FBI, the Israeli Police investigators and anyone else who helped lead to the arrest of this hacker. I deeply appreciate my fans who have provided us with pertinent information and continue to do so regarding leaks of my music. Like any citizen, I have the right to privacy. This invasion into my life - creatively, professionally, and personally remains a deeply devastating and hurtful experience, as it must be for all artists who are victims of this type of crime.”

“Rebel Heart” is slated for release on March 10.

Follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit

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