When British-Liberian artist Iris Viktor saw the video for the Kendrick Lamar and Sza Black Panther track "All The Stars", she noticed something familiar.
Vicktor believes the video's directors -- Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free and Dave Meyers -- used replicated versions of her work in the background without her permission. She also said that she had previously declined Marvels' offers to have her original work featured in Black Panther.
The alleged intellectual theft comes at the 2:59 mark of the video.
The golden artwork does bear a resemblance to Vicktor's "Constellations" artwork:
I spy Lina Iris Viktor’s work or influence/homage (amongst other artists, too, i.e. Yayoi Kusama) in this new SZA x Kendrick video. gorgeous and inspiring. pic.twitter.com/tQwD0Yy17C
— huny young (@huny) February 8, 2018
Victor noted the irony of Kendrick and Marvel taking her art in support of Black Panther, a movie about Africa.
"Why would they do this? It’s an ethical issue, because what the whole film purports is that it’s about black empowerment, African excellence," Viktor told the New York Times. "That’s the whole concept of the story. And at the same time they’re stealing from African artists.”
Victor's lawyer has contacted TDE and the Black Panther producers and plans on filing a lawsuit.
What do you think? Is this theft?
Lamar hasn't commented on the allegations.