The music video for Taylor Swift's "Delicate," a song from her new album Reputation, has been accused of ripping off a viral perfume ad.
On Sunday, March 11, the pop singer dropped the viral music video which now has almost 15 million views on YouTube. In the four-minute short film, Swift arrives at the red carpet in a blue floor-length gown and just starts dancing.
Many noticed its similarities to the viral perfume ad from Kenzo in which Margaret Qualley performs the role of a young actress who, bored out of her mind in a black-tie event, suddenly bursts out into a dance.
'Delicate' Music Video Arrives
The music video for "Delicate" premiered as part of Swift's acceptance speech at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards where she collected her Female Artist of the Year trophy. The singer-songwriter's frequent collaborator Joseph Kahn, the same man behind "Look What You Made Me Do" and "End Game," directed the video.
"Delicate" is the third song from Swift's sixth studio album, Reputation.
Viewers Accuse Taylor Swift Of Copying
Swift immediately received backlash following the release of the viral music video. On Twitter, many pointed out that "Delicate" has the same choreography, setting, and color palette as the 2016 Kenzo perfume ad.
taylor swift's "delicate" video is a poor man's version of spike jonze's ad for Kenzo, this bop deserved more pic.twitter.com/39Ub99bKqc — christina.jpg (@wtfcylon) March 12, 2018
The new @taylorswift13 Delicate music video is such an insanely blatant copy/rip-off of the Spike Jonze Kenzo World commercial. The setting, colour palette, choreography, everything. — Gina Schreuder (@Gina_and_tonic) March 12, 2018
In all seriousness, did Taylor and Joseph think we wouldn't notice the complete ripoff of margaret qualley's Kenzo ad, or pic.twitter.com/2Rptz2Zr6O — Greg Hicks (@GregoryMHicks) March 12, 2018
Swift's 'Delicate' video is verrrry heavily influenced by that Spike Jonze / Margaret Qualley Kenzo ad, no? pic.twitter.com/ViVS9muLGX — Ashley Spencer (@AshleyySpencer) March 12, 2018
So it's just the Kenzo perfume ad, but with Taylor Swift? #Delicate pic.twitter.com/oY8hTCdPnz — cole (@haberkale) March 12, 2018
If you think I'm here to remind you of one of the most innovative Fragrance commercials in the recent time, and let you know about how I think Delicate it's a rip off of Spike Jonze's concept, yes yes I am indeed. https://t.co/VH39HRPWtU — honey (@KarlaP9) March 12, 2018
The Kenzo perfume ad in question was directed by Spike Jonze, a renowned music video director, movie producer, and ex-husband of Sofia Coppola. He recently directed an ad for Apple's HomePod starring singer-songwriter FKA Twigs.
Kenzo Responds To 'Delicate' Music Video
Kenzo, however, is not taking Swift nor Kahn to court even after several internet users pointed out the stark similarities between the "Delicate" music video and their 2016 perfume ad.
In a statement, a representative responded to the criticism, making light of the situation, and defending Swift.
"Listen Tay, I feel you. It's hard to stay fresh. Call us, we can help," they posted. The representative added that the music video for "Delicate" has a "beginning, a middle and an end" and multiple locations.
Watch and compare the videos below.
