Back in February, Kendrick Lamar and SZA were sued by British-Liberian artist Lina Iris Viktor for copyright infringement relating to the duo’s “All the Stars” visual. Viktor claimed that elements of her painting series “Constellations” were appropriated for the Black Panther song’s video without permission. As of December 21, SZA and Kendrick have settled with Viktor, according to court documents viewed by Pitchfork.
Viktor previously claimed that Marvel representatives reached out to her in November 2016 and December 2017 about using her artwork in Black Panther, but she ultimately declined their offers, according to a report by The New York Times. Nevertheless, images allegedly resembling Viktor’s work appear in the “All the Stars” video.
In July, Kendrick and SZA asked the presiding judge to block Viktor from receiving any profits from the single (“All the Stars”) or Black Panther The Album. The original case will now close with all claims dismissed, Pitchfork can confirm.
Mariane Ibrahim-Lenhardt, founder of the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery, which represents Viktor, told The New York Times that Viktor was satisfied with the deal. “I hope Lina will stand as an example for other artists regarding the importance of protecting their creations,” she added.
Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Lamar and SZA.
