Although the music video hasn't even been fully released yet, Taylor Swift's latest single, Look What You Made Me Do, is already drawing considerable criticism from many quarters.
A short teaser was posted by the official account for the MTV VMAs, which will debut the music video later tonight, which in one shot showed Taylor Swift in a very familiar stance. Here's the teaser in question, just for reference.
Official #LWYMMDvideo world premiere.
Sunday 8/27 at the @vmas pic.twitter.com/tjAxr8qdsY— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) August 25, 2017
So, the shot was at the very end and people have been arguing that it resembles Beyonce's music video for Formation. Again, for reference, here's that video.
So, while it may just be one shot in Taylor's video, it's enough to draw out accusations of cultural appropriation - and it's been pretty well roasted on Twitter, too.
My daddy Trump supporter, Momma Starbucks drinker,
You mix the mayonnaise with the privilege make a country singer (singer) pic.twitter.com/FE0bPhGOHk— â?„ï¸?ðŸ?ºMatt StarkðŸ?ºâ?„ï¸? (@_MatthewBoomin_) August 25, 2017
"Okay ladies now let's gentrification." pic.twitter.com/B8xL0oxrKl
— Kar L. Stine (@karyewest) August 25, 2017
In spite of the fact that it's very similar - too similar, really - the music video director for Look What You Made Me Do has spoken out in his and Taylor's defence. Joseph Kahn, easily one of the most prolific music video directors of our time, was adamant that the video for Look What You Made Me Do is "not in her art space."
Moreover, Kahn says that there's "more" to that shot hasn't been seen yet, which presumably will explain why Taylor Swift is blatantly appropriating someone else's work for her own ends.
I've worked with Beyoncé a few times. She's an amazing person. The #LWYMMDvideo is not in her art space. Love and respect to Bey.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 26, 2017
Also there's something to that "formation" shot I painted out and you haven't seen yet. Stay tuned Sunday :)#LWYMMDvideo#SneakyAsian
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 26, 2017
Yes, this will all be made clear. Sure.
Via Twitter