Artist Accusing Kanye West of Plagiarism Speaks Out

After Kanye’s #SUPERMOON campaign was called out by Diet Prada recently, the artist at the center of the claim has spoken out. The campaign was criticized for its similarity to a 2015 series by Rita Minissi, which looked at issues around her body, identity and personal trauma.

In a statement to Refinery29, Minissi criticized West for plagiarizing the work as well as pointing out larger issues with the story. “The greater issue here is that a large corporate entity is profiting off of years of labor from a self-funded artist by turning something cathartic into capital; attempting to steal the truth of an individual without consequences. This is not an isolated instance, to the corporate entity in question or to the industry as a whole.” Minissi also added that she had previously supported both West and YEEZY, and that she would have been happy to collaborate if the team had reached out.

As well as speaking out on the issue, Minissi revealed that she had faced harassment from Kanye fans since Diet Prada posted about the plagiarism allegations. “A painful personal trauma is defining my identity in news media, while I receive hateful messages from strangers when I’ve done nothing wrong and never desired to be at the center of a public spectacle.”

This isn’t the first time that ‘Ye has been called out recently, with Givenchy designer Tony Spackman accusing West of copying his work.