As the internet fawns over Beyoncé’s “Formation” video today (February 5), a few directors had some other opinions about it — like the fact that it lifts unauthorized footage from their own documentary.
Directors Chris Black and Abteen Bagheri called out Melina Matsoukas, the Grammy Award-winning director responsible for Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” for her work on Bey’s “Formation.” Her contribution on the new video was confirmed by The FADER.
According to the Black and Bagheri, Matsoukas ripped off footage from their acclaimed 2013 mini-documentary, “That B.E.A.T.”
But before the accusations could reach levels of damage control, Matsoukas went on Twitter to praise Bagheri and Black on their work, which she said was “beautiful NOLA footage” that made “#FORMATION whole.”
Responding to Matsoukas’ praise, Bagheri expressed his gratitude.
“That B.E.A.T.,” a documentary that delves into the New Orleans’ underground bounce scene, is available now on Vimeo.