Selena Gomez Faces New Plagiarism Accusations, Echoing 2018 Claims by Artist Sarah Bahbah

Palestinian-Jordanian artist Sarah Bahbah has reignited plagiarism claims against pop icon Selena Gomez, marking the second time such allegations have surfaced.

In a detailed Instagram video released on March 1, 2024, Bahbah draws stark comparisons between her artistic works and Gomez’s newly released music video for Love On, underscoring the recurring issue of unrecognized influence and appropriation within the entertainment industry.

Rising Tensions: A History of Alleged Plagiarism

The controversy dates back to 2018 when fans first noted similarities between Gomez’s music video for Back To You and Bahbah’s distinctive style, characterized by subtitles and textual overlays on images. Despite the uproar, the situation seemed to resolve with little to no acknowledgment from Gomez’s camp. Fast forward to 2024, and Bahbah has taken to social media to highlight what she perceives as a repeat offense, this time involving her short films I ___ YOU (2022) and Untangles (2023) alongside Gomez’s Love On. Through a meticulous frame-by-frame analysis, Bahbah points out the striking resemblances not only in visual style but also in the choice of locations and sound effects used in the opening title sequences.

Palestinian Artist Slams Selena Gomez For Allegedly Copying Her Art In Her Latest Video, Love On – Watch(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Community and Industry Response

In her video, Bahbah disclosed consulting with various entertainment industry professionals before going public with her accusations, emphasizing the frequent occurrence of such issues for women of color and independent artists. The online community, upon catching wind of these claims, rallied behind Bahbah, criticizing the lack of originality and calling for greater recognition and collaboration with original artists rather than covert appropriation. The backlash reflects a growing discontent with the entertainment industry’s practices towards smaller artists and underlines the importance of crediting creative influences.

Gomez’s Silence and The Industry’s Accountability

As of the writing of this article, Selena Gomez has not issued a statement regarding the plagiarism allegations. This silence has only fueled the debate over intellectual property rights, artist recognition, and the ethical responsibilities of industry giants. Bahbah’s decision to speak out sheds light on the broader issue of creative acknowledgment and the need for a shift towards more transparent and respectful collaboration within the arts community. The discussion transcends individual accusations, touching on systemic issues that challenge the integrity of artistic expression and copyright in the digital age.

The unfolding drama between Sarah Bahbah and Selena Gomez serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding artistic inspiration and the fine line between homage and theft. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, so too must its approach to honoring and protecting the creative contributions of all artists, ensuring that recognition and respect are duly accorded. The outcome of this latest dispute remains to be seen, but it undeniably casts a spotlight on the ongoing dialogue about copyright, creativity, and collaboration in our increasingly interconnected world.