Yes, Rihanna Swagger Jacked David LaChapelle

I’m loathe to write about her twice in one day, but this is a follow-up I think a bunch of you would be interested in. Back in February, it was alleged by David LaChapelle that Rihanna and the director of her S&M music video stole its entire treatment/ visual from his life’s work.

I don’t mean obscure pieces, but some of his most famous works were ripped off. OOPS! I mean ‘borrowed’ in homage without a royalty, Beyonce-style. LaChapelle alleged imitation of his poses, lighting, wardrobe and props, ‘directly derived from and substantially similar to’ eight of his photos. And he sued Rihanna and her label DefJam for $1 million.

At the time, after attacking Rihanna and video co-star Perez Hilton on Twitter, LaChapelle said, ‘I like RiRi. This is not personal, it’s strictly business. Musicians commonly pay to sample music or use someone’s beats and there should be no difference when sampling an artist’s visuals.’ In July, Manhattan federal Judge Shira Scheindlin sided with the photographer and Page Six claims Rihanna’s settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Jaret Keller, LaChapelle’s rep, wouldn’t confirm the amount, saying simply ‘David is happy with the settlement.’