# Tommy Tallarico — Investigation

**Status:** Confirmed plagiarist. Multiple documented cases of credit theft and misattribution.

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## Documented Cases

### Earthworm Jim 1 & 2 (Tony Bernetich)
- **Claim:** Tommy Tallarico took credit for composing Earthworm Jim 1 and 2.
- **Reality:** Tony Bernetich created multiple tracks for Earthworm Jim 1 and **almost every track** for Earthworm Jim 2.
- **Additional:** Tallarico reused MIDI files from the internet (e.g. Edward Grant's 1989 Moonlight Sonata transcriptions) with minor edits (speed changes).
- **Source:** Tony Bernetich, [blog post](https://tommytallarico.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/tommy-tallarico-took-credit-for-music-created-by-tony-bernetich-and-reused-midi-files-from-the-internet-for-earthworm-jim-1-and-2/)

### Video Games Live (Laura Intravia)
- **Claim:** Laura Intravia created the Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley for VGL.
- **Reality:** Her compositions were distributed to orchestras without consent; flute solo transcribed by ear without authorization.
- **Source:** Laura Intravia public statements.

### False Filmography (hbomberguy, 2022)
- Multiple games falsely claimed in Tallarico's discography.
- Original artists who confirmed their work was attributed to Tallarico: Todd Dennis, Keith Arem, Joey Kuras.
- VGMPF and preservation community have corrected attributions.

### Video Games Live Sheet Music
- Allegations of selling stolen arrangements; orchestras informed of dispute but continued performing.

### Other Uncredited / Misattributed Collaborators (hbomberguy)

- **Todd Dennis** — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- **Keith Arem** — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- **Joey Kuras** — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- **Action:** Investigate each; which games/tracks; extent of misattribution.

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## Pattern

- Takes credit for others' work.
- Reuses pre-existing material (internet MIDI) without proper attribution.
- Markets and sells arrangements without rights.
- Public persona built on inflated/false credits.

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## Open Questions

- Full list of misattributed works?
- Other uncredited collaborators?
- Connection to broader "controlled personality" thesis?

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## Sources

- [VGMPF Wiki: Tommy Tallarico](https://www.vgmpf.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Tommy_Tallarico)
- [SmashJT: Tommy Tallarico CAUGHT Selling STOLEN Music](https://smashjt.com/post/tommy-tallarico-caught-selling-stolen-music)
- Hbomberguy video (2022)

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Keywords: #Tommy #Tallarico