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Imitation Is Not So Flattering

They used to say "imitation is the highest form of flattery." Apparently not anymore. Rihanna is being sued for her latest music video "S&M" by famed photographer David LaChapelle. Imitation or paying homage has always been around, but it is especially prevalent in today's pop music scene. Everyone has said that Lady Gaga's new single "Born This Way" sounds a lot like Madonna, which they say about every video or single she releases. "Everyone is copying Madonna!" Yes, because she was ground-breaking and did it all. Gaga has openly admitted her single sounds like the Material Girl but also claims Madonna loves it.

In Rihanna's case the evidence is very clear:

I do think LaChapelle would win if it goes to trial. However, I don't understand the purpose of suing the pop star. It's not like the video would go away. The video has already been banned in 11 countries, which only makes something more popular. Is he suing her on principle? Or to get money? I don't understand the gratification he'll receive if he wins. It's like when all these bands sued Napster for "stealing" music. People went and found free music elsewhere. I applaud that David LaChapelle is calling her out but I think suing her is not going to stop imitation of his work or any other's for that matter. I also don't think it is going to hurt Rihanna's career in the slightest.

Should David LaChapelle be flattered? Or do you agree with the lawsuit?

Source: Daily Mail UK

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2 members like this

Comment by After All Slippers on February 16, 2011 at 4:49pm: I love your blogs! Always so entertaining :o)

Comment by Kimberlee VDW on February 16, 2011 at 6:15pm: Thank you!

Comment by Maryanne on February 16, 2011 at 11:30pm: i did a blog last week about jimmy choo's new fragrance and flowerbomb..and imitation.

'xeroxing' is a fine line.

what david lachapelle is getting at , is the fact that if she wanted to use his concepts so literally, then she should have had him direct her video.

this is probably the point he wishes to prove, and he's going about it in a legal manner.

it's a sharp slap on the wrist of her record company.

same thing with screenplays. except you copyright and/or register them, so that when they make the rounds in hollywood, they are protected.

i watched the grammy's the other night..and i came away with one major thought.

if all of the theatrics were taken away..the lights, the dancers, the props...and the artist just sang the song..how would it come across.