Update:TMZ is reporting that artist Lina Iris Viktor is suing Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their "All the Stars" video. Viktor claims that Lamar and SZA used elements of her works "Constellations I," "Constellations II," and "Constellations III" in their video.
\u201cWe knew this looked like Lina Iris Viktor\u2019s work when All The Stars dropped. That she was allegedly approached twice for the use of her art, declined, yet it still appeared in the video is new.\u201d
Kendrick Lamar and SZA's recently-released music video for "All the Stars" has been well-received for its stunning visuals and references to African culture. However, not everyone is pleased with the video.
British-Liberian artist Lina Iris Viktor has accused the video of using her artwork without permission. In a report from the New York Times, Viktor said that representatives from Marvel contacted her in November 2016 and December 2017 about using her artwork in the Black Panther film, but she ended up declining their offer.
However, images similar to her "Constellations" series appeared in the "All the Stars" video (check out the 2:59 mark of the music video). Kendrick, along with TDE's Anthony Tiffith curated and produced the soundtrack for the Marvel movie.
"It's an ethical issue, because what the whole film purports is that it's about black empowerment, African excellence — that's the whole concept of the story. And at the same time they're stealing from African artists," Viktor said.
Viktor's lawyer, Christopher Robinson, sent Tiffith a letter on Saturday, alerting him to the copyright violation. Viktor is seeking a public apology and a license fee in regards to the copyright violation.
Upon embarking on his European tour last week Lamar has since banned phones from being used during his shows. He's also not permitting professional photographers into venues for this tour as well.
As the Guardian notes, the move is to protect Lamar's "valuable 'brand' and ensure the appetite for tickets remains keen," since artists make a majority of their money on tour.
