Rihanna’s S&M Lawsuit Heats Up
By: Jase Peeples
7.29.2011
Back in February, we learned that Ri Ri was in hot water over allegations that the singer’s music video, S&M, was more than a little inspired by the work of fashion photographer David LaChapelle.
MTV reported that LaChapelle claimed no less than 8 of his images were copied in the video. “Composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colors, props, settings, decors, wardrobe and lighting”—all covered by copyright laws—were sited as proof that his work had indeed been plagiarized. The photographer even went as far as claiming the photos were used to storyboard the video.
Camp Ri Ri submitted a motion to dismiss the charges, but now U.S. District Judge Shira Scheind has noted several similarities between the two works and has ordered a trial based on the evidence.
With the dismissal of Rihanna’s motion to dismiss, it’s a sure bet that LaChapeele’s claim has some weight to it and the Barbados native may be found guilty of mimicking his work.
You can see a side-by-side comparison below.
Click here to see a full list of the side-by-side shots.
Back in February, we learned that Ri Ri was in hot water over allegations that the singer’s music video, S&M, was more than a little inspired by the work of fashion photographer David LaChapelle.
MTV reported that LaChapelle claimed no less than 8 of his images were copied in the video. “Composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colors, props, settings, decors, wardrobe and lighting”—all covered by copyright laws—were sited as proof that his work had indeed been plagiarized. The photographer even went as far as claiming the photos were used to storyboard the video.
Camp Ri Ri submitted a motion to dismiss the charges, but now U.S. District Judge Shira Scheind has noted several similarities between the two works and has ordered a trial based on the evidence.
With the dismissal of Rihanna’s motion to dismiss, it’s a sure bet that LaChapeele’s claim has some weight to it and the Barbados native may be found guilty of mimicking his work.
You can see a side-by-side comparison below.
Click here to see a full list of the side-by-side shots.
