Did Rihanna’s “You Da One” Music Video Plagiarize Another Photographer?

Idolator Staff | December 23, 2011 2:25 pm

Oh, dear. While it used to take at least a few days for pop stars to be accused of ripping off someone else’s work, it now takes only a matter of hours. Beyonce has been oft-criticized for generously borrowing from other people’s artistic visions, and Rihanna found herself at the wrong end of a lawsuit because her “S&M” video was a little too inspired by the works of renowned photographer David LaChappelle. Now there’s already accusations that her “You Da One” video rips off a 2008 shoot by Norwegian photographer Solve Sundsbo — and the evidence really doesn’t look to be in Rihanna’s favor. See some comparisons below.

Not a good sign — both clips were directed by Melina Matsoukas, who clearly didn’t learn her lesson last time. It’s highly unlikely that the similarities are a total coincidence — not only are the projected shapes similar, but both Rihanna and the model are wearing nearly-identical body suits and wigs (though the color differs). Plus, those pink lips providing the only splash of color also look pretty familiar.
rihanna-you-da-one-lips

So the real question is: do pop stars have the right to blatantly copy famous photographers, even when most fans will probably assume the video’s artistic vision is original and unique?

Take a look at more potentially incriminating photos, and tell us what you think below.

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