Beyoncé has been accused of not crediting a Japanese artist for creating the inspiration for her highly acclaimed "Renaissance" tour visuals.
However, Bey Hive believes that the artist is aiming for a cash grab because of how dubious her timing of accusing the artist is, considering that the tour and the concert film have already been released.
Did Beyoncé Copy 'Renaissance' Tour Visuals?
In an Instagram post, Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama expressed his sentiments toward Beyoncé for allegedly ripping off his art to create the visuals for the "Renaissance" tour.
"Yo @Beyoncé You should have asked me "officially" so that I could make much better work for you as like my man @theweeknd," Sorayama wrote in the caption of a carousel post.
In the carousel, Sorayama included photos of Beyoncé while on tour, specifically the one where she wears a metallic silver headpiece with pointed ears. In the next photos, Sorayama included his own designs that match the ones used in her concert and merchandise.
As of this writing, it is not known whether Sorayama would pursue legal action on the said case, but Beyoncé's team has not yet issued a response either.
So, #HajimeSorayama’s shoutout to #Beyoncé isn’t just a call for credit; it’s a plea for authentic collaboration. Their shared affinity for powerful feminine imagery screams potential. Here’s to hoping for a future where their artistic genius officially converges. pic.twitter.com/0gL7GNfap8
— Cathedral Jones (@CathedralJones_) December 11, 2023
Beyhive Defends Beyoncé From Accusing Artist
Over to Sorayama's Instagram post, Beyoncé's legion of fans stormed the comments dragging him on the timing of his accusations.
"I'm a fan of your work, but this is a reach. These visuals have been out since May, when the tour started; however, now you suddenly have a problem with it? 1. It's just a headpiece. 2. This look, in addition to many of her other looks spanning her career are Mugler/reference Mugler's work... so, was he copying you as well?" a fan asked.
Many noted Beyoncé's look came from Mugler and has taken inspiration from the 1927 film "Metropolis."
Fans argued that Sorayama had also taken inspiration from the same source material as Beyoncé did, and not from him.
"You and whoever made her headpiece clearly drew from the same metropolis inspo. Doesn't make anyone a thief, certainly not Beyoncé," another defended.
"You don't own the Robot Hyper Feme Genre. Also, the album, artwork, concert, movie came and went. Why are you speaking about it now," a fan wondered.
However, a great deal of fans of the Japanese artists defended his honor, noting that while they both seemed to draw inspiration from the film, Beyoncé's curated look on the tour, very much resembles Sorayama's own artwork.
READ ALSO: 'Renaissance: A Beyoncé Film' Suffers Huge Loss On Second Week Box-Office
