Why Halle Berry is Upset With Drake: New Single Controversy Explained
Once again, copyright issues have led to a legal yet unethical use of a photograph.
Celebrity dramas often erupt out of the blue, providing a fair amount of amusement for those fortunate enough to stumble upon them on social media. We enjoy monitoring the antics of the rich and famous, but regrettably, when it comes to resolving ethical dilemmas, the situation is no laughing matter.
Consent? Respect for personal boundaries? It appears Drake is unfamiliar with either of these concepts. After all, the Canadian rapper and singer has released a new single in collaboration with SZA, which is dedicated to resentment towards their ex-partners. The issue is that Halle Berry, who found herself embroiled in the scandal, had no connection to these sentiments.
Origin of the Beef
On September 15, 2023, Drake, in collaboration with singer-songwriter SZA, released a new single, Slime You Out, to be featured on his upcoming album, For All the Dogs, set to release on October 6. The track piles scorn on partners who have taken advantage of the artists (it slimes them out).
His son, Adonis Graham, created the original artwork for the upcoming album, but the released single features an alternate cover, which Drake and SZA posted on their Instagram pages.
Yes, that's Halle Berry covered in slime at the 2012 Kids' Choice Awards. What does she have to do with the rapper's lyrics and sentiments? Well, she's 'slimed out', you see.
Berry's Response
Unsurprisingly, the actress was not pleased with the use of her photo and posted a response on her Instagram:
She then clarified in the comments that Drake had reached out to her before using the photo. The problem is that after she refused to give consent, he went ahead and used the photo anyway. The question is why Drake even bothered asking Halle Berry for consent if he was going to use the photo regardless of whether or not she gave it.
So, Who is Right?
'Unfortunately this is what happens when ppl don't own their images outright and either sell them or post them publicly. Once you do that they're legally no longer yours to determine the outcomes,' someone commented.
Legally speaking, they are spot on: it's a stock photo legally owned by Getty Images, and Drake purchased it from them. Thus, there are no grounds for a legal claim against him. This situation raises a more profound question of whether or not we should blindly follow the law, even if it allows us to infringe on other people's boundaries.
Source: Instagram.