These days, it's pretty much impossible to make anything "original." And it always sucks when a bigger name gets all the credit for a smaller name's idea, which leads me to my point that a particular pop star is being accused of using a certain music video as inspiration for her own...
Ariana Grande's latest music video, "Petal," was released on July 31, and it already has over 22 MILLION views (damn). The video follows Grande as she and other women struggle to get approval from male executives. 😒
However, indie artist Frankie June has something to say about it.
June took to TikTok to discuss Grande's video after her friends messaged her, claiming that Grande "copied" the music video for her song "Hollywood (2016)" that was released this April.
Let's look at some comparisons, shall we?
They both reference the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
They both have the girls lined up:
They both have shitty men:
And of course, the men have their evil little paperwork:
Thankfully, both women get their revenge:
So, I guess you could say they both have happy endings?
Given these similarities, it's no shocker that some of June's friends think "Hollywood (2016)" inspired Grande's video. June states in her TikTok that she and Grande work in the same industry and town, and that "everyone has their references." However, she then takes the conversation in an unexpected direction.
She states, "I feel like the more interesting question is, 'What if Ariana's video evolved having nothing to do with mine?' What is so wrong in Hollywood right now that me and Ariana both resonated with this story, where you literally see the talent in an office/audition type [of] scenario jumping over the desk to exact revenge on this Hollywood exec archetype? That says a lot."
"So, Ariana, I am so sorry that you resonated with that story the same way that I did. And, folks, if you're seeing this, maybe check on the women working in Hollywood, check on the women that you love. It's rough out here, and there's still a long way for the industry to go. So, Ariana, we're obviously on the same wavelength. ... More than anything, though, I just hope that you are taking care of yourself."
While June defends Grande, some commenters weren't as kind. One person commented, "You’re being very professional. However, this is brutally similar. I am commenting for your exposure. You deserve the credit." Another commenter stated, "Please sue. This is insane."
Other commenters acknowledged that coming for Grande isn't the right move, with one person stating, "I would hope people would see this as a way to agree with what you’re explicitly saying in the video as well as discover your music and the stories you tell through it INSTEAD of using the similarities to denigrate Ariana with no real grounded basis other than the knowledge that her new music video has themes similar to an indie artist’s music video, because that’s what a lotttt of these comments seem to be doing, which just doesn’t help anyone. They seem to care less about you and more about tearing her down. Ain’t that some shizz. 🥴"
What do you think about the music videos and Frankie June's statements? Let us know in the comments.
Note: Quote/comments have been edited for clarity.
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