Sex offender Gary Glitter won't get royalties for his song in Joker

Todd Phillips' Joker currently exceeds box office expectations but controversy follows the movie on every step of the way. However, these news shouldn't be controversial at all: Jailed sex offender Garry Glitter, whose 1972 song 'Rock and Roll Part 2' is featured in Joker, won't receive any royalties for the use of the track in the film.

It was initially suspected that Glitter will receive a six-figure sum as he is listed as one of the two songwriters of the song. Now the label Snapper Music, who own the rights to Glitter's songs, told the LA Times that the glam rock singer won't receive any royalties: "Gary Glitter does not get paid – we've had no contact with him."

Universal Music Publishing Group also chimed in, stating: "Gary Glitter's publishing interest in the copyright of his songs is owned by UMPG and other parties, therefore UMPG does not pay him any royalties or other considerations."

Gary Glitter is currently serving a 16-year jail term for multiple sex offences against children. Since 1997, he has been accused of downloading child pornography, child sexual abuse and attempted rape.

The use of the song, which was featured in a scene where Joaquin Phoenix's Joker dances on a staircase, caused controversy although the track has previously been used in numerous other movies and TV shows such as Meet the Fockers, Boyhood, South Park and The Office.