Taylor Swift’s Video Director Says He Didn’t Rip Off Beyonce
Joseph Kahn directed four of the videos off of Taylor Swift’s hypersmash 1989 record, and has helmed the video for her newest single, “Look What You Made Me Do.” The song, which was released on Friday, has already broken records for Spotify streaming and YouTube views, according to People. The vid premieres tonight during the VMAs, but Kahn is already defending it online. Tay Tay teased it on Twitter this week and the Beyhive went into anaphylactic shock because she lined up her dancers in a formation, if you will, and wore a very similar black unitard. Kahn says that no, he didn’t rip off Beyonce. And even if he did, Beyonce has been ganking “inspiration” from other chicks for awhile. Tay Tay only goofed because she neglected to leave a couple of decades in between.
People reports that Kahn tweeted a bunch of times defending the video and pointing out that all people have seen is a quick snap of Taylor post-car wash with the sunroof accidentally left open. He didn’t mop Queen Bey’s “art space.” (Is that what we’re calling it now?) He made damn sure to pay homage their Majesty though, cuz’ he values his life.
I've worked with Beyoncé a few times. She's an amazing person. The #LWYMMDvideo is not in her art space. Love and respect to Bey.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 26, 2017
Kahn directed the Beyonce plus the other two Destiny’s Child videos for “Say My Name” and “Jumpin’ Jumpin’.” So yes, he’s been to Beyonce’s “art space” and this ain’t it! Taylor’s “art space” is much different. Especially now with this new single! Taylor’s used to be gingham-checked slumber parties. Now it’s veiled threats against her enemies and the possibility that Tay Tay is now a zombie!
Kahn didn’t do himself any favors, though, when he referred to the bit everyone’s harping on as “the ‘Formation’ shot.”
Also there's something to that "formation" shot I painted out and you haven't seen yet. Stay tuned Sunday 🙂#LWYMMDvideo#SneakyAsian
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 26, 2017
Did he paint out Taylor wearing a hat from The Holy Mountain or reclining on a sinking police car? Paint that hat back in, because that wet poodle perm is beyond.
He also got jokey! Watch your ass, #SneakyAsian. All of the humor honey drips out of the Beyhive when you crack wise at their queen.
Before video release: Kahn copying Lemonade
After video release: Kahn copying obscure K Pop video made in North Korean prison in 2006 ?
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 25, 2017
In other Tay Tay news, word is she WON’T be performing at the VMAs tonight. (Perms take awhile to grow out and she probably doesn’t want to be within ten miles of tonight’s host, The Swish Swish Bish.) VMA’s executive producer Jesse Ignjatovic WISHES he could get her on this year, because everyone loves when arch-enemies curl their lips in disgust at each other across auditoriums.
“She has been on the show many times and [has] performed with a new album coming, but not this time. I definitely wish she was coming on and performing.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a SURPRISE Katy/Taylor performance where they cover “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and maybe have a friendly can’t dance-off to bury the nail file.
Pic: Instagram