Beyoncé Accused of Copying Japanese Designer for Robot Tour Look
Beyoncé finds herself in the spotlight once again, this time under the critical gaze of Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. The 76-year-old artist claims that the Grammy-winning singer replicated his distinctive erotic robot designs during her record-breaking Renaissance tour without seeking his official collaboration.
Taking to Instagram, Sorayama expressed his disappointment, suggesting that Beyoncé missed an opportunity for a creative collaboration. In a post that compared Beyoncé’s looks during the Renaissance tour to his art, Sorayama playfully nudged the singer, saying, “Yo @beyonce… You should have asked me ‘officially’ so that I could make much better work for you as like my man @theweeknd.”
The post featured a side-by-side comparison, highlighting Beyoncé sporting a futuristic chrome headpiece with pointed cylinders over her ears, a design eerily reminiscent of Sorayama’s creations. Sorayama, known for his eroticized illustrations of female humanoid robots since the early Eighties, has collaborated with artists like The Weeknd in the past.
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Despite Sorayama’s claims, Beyoncé’s fans quickly rushed to her defence. Some argued that her Renaissance looks drew inspiration from the 1927 sci-fi film, ‘Metropolis,’ while other elements paid homage to French designer Thierry Mugler’s 1995 fall collection.
“Metropolis has been imitated by so many people,” one fan countered. “To have this image of her be picked apart when a headpiece like the one above has been used by so many people known and unknown to the masses is crazy. Well wishes.” Another pointed out, “She’s wearing Thierry Mugler based off an archive Mugler look that referenced Metropolis. Were you this incensed when she wore a similar headpiece in 2007 at the BET awards?”
Sorayama’s timing also raised eyebrows among critics, questioning why he chose to call out Beyoncé now when her tour visuals were unveiled in May. “I understand you feel like your art has been imitated and copied by her, but this visual has been out for months… so to now have outrage about it seems like a reach for something or a grab at something,” commented one observer.
Nevertheless, some supporters rallied behind Sorayama, acknowledging his significant influence on pop culture. “Yes, Metropolis is source ‘inspo’, but Hajime Sorayama has quite literally been a master and icon in the art and k!nk world for a time and Beyonce is 10000 per cent referencing it,” one defender stated. “Y’all need to get out of the beehive and touch grass.”
Also Read: Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Film Expected to Make Over $22 Million
Amidst the controversy, Beyoncé released her new concert film, ‘Renaissance, A Film by Beyoncé,’ receiving acclaim for its “Spielberg-style production” and showcasing Beyoncé’s meticulous work ethic.
The review praised her control over the live show, comparing it to the level of control exhibited by the late Prince. Whether she’s displaying vocal prowess or ascending into the air on a silver horse adorned with a diamond-encrusted harness, Beyoncé’s performance in ‘Renaissance’ appears nothing short of flawless.
