Pop star being sued

Singer in trouble over video for new single...

10:01 16 February 2011

Singer Rihanna is being sued by a photographer over the video for her new single, S&M.

David LaChapelle has claimed that the Bajan singer’s video is “directly derived” from his pictures.

LaChapelle, who has photographed stars for magazine such as Vanity Fair and Rolling Stones, is suing the star for unspecified damages.

His case states that “the music video is directly derived from and substantially similar to the LaChapelle works”.

The photographer alleges that 22-year-old Rihanna has appropriated eight images into the new video and that she has copied the “composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colours, props, settings, decors, wardrobe and lighting” of his work.

The video itself has already been banned in some countries due to its sexual content.

Rihanna made chart history last month, as she became the first female solo artist to achieve number one singles five years in a row.

LaChapelle is one of fashionÂ’s most respected photographers and his subjects have included Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Madonna and Naomi Campbell.