Beyonce accused of plagiarism for Lemonade video

Rose Donohoe
Jun 10, 2016, updated Jun 10, 2016

Columbia Records

An independent filmmaker is suing Beyonce and her studios for allegedly plagiarising elements from his short film for her visual album, Lemonade.

Beyonce’s highly acclaimed album was released in May and apparently told the story of her recovery from being cheated on by her husband Jay Z.

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But filmmaker Matthew Fulks claims Columbia Records and Beyonce’s team stole images and stylistic elements from Palinoia, a short film also depicting a tumultuous breakup commissioned from him by Columbia in 2014.

In his complaint, Mr Fulks gives side by side comparisons of stills from both Lemonade and Palinoia, including the film’s opening credits.

“The Lemonade trailer is substantially similar to the Palinoia work, including, but not limited to: the Palinoia work’s visual and auditory elements, visual and auditory sequences, themes, format, mood, setting, plot, and pace, all of which create a protectable total concept and feel,” reads the complaint.

Mr Fulks, who also works as the creative director of a TV station in Kentucky, is seeking damages relating to copyright infringement.

Lemonade was hailed more for the film’s style and tough subject matter than for Beyonce’s new music featured in the film.

The full complaint can be read on Buzzfeed.