Taylor Swift Accused of Copying 2NE1's "Come Back Home" in "Bad Blood" MV

A single tweet by a 2NE1 fan in the midst of a back-and-forth between Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift on Twitter has brought 2NE1 and Taylor under the scope in a potential plagiarism dispute.

It all started when, following the recent announcement of the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, Nicki Minaj tweeted, “If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year,” at which Taylor responds, “@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..,” and the spat goes on. 

Jumping in the middle was Twitter user @chaelinfenty, who said, “@NICKIMINAJ can we talk about how taylor’s video isn’t original and was copied from a group of four WOC, 2NE1.”

@NICKIMINAJ can we talk about how taylor’s video isn’t original and was copied from a group of four WOC, 2NE1 pic.twitter.com/LPtJzBHvAD

— tay (@chaelinfenty) July 21, 2015

From the accompanying photo to the tweet, which consists of juxtaposed screen grabs from Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” and 2NE1’s “Come Back Home,” various online publications have picked up the story and the question of, “Did ‘Bad Blood,’ take from 2NE1’s music video?” Indeed, from the photos alone, the claim seems convincing, although, with the videos in their entireties, not so much. The general consensus to be had is that the two music videos are indeed quite similar in concept, in terms of a futuristic setting and imagery, with several strikingly similar captures, while the videos follow quite different story lines.

A common point brought up by reports is the fact that “Bad Blood” was directed by South Korea-born director Joseph Kahn, who personally took to Twitter to voice his frustrations on the matter:

Writer of JEZEBEL accused me of ripping off a Korean music video because I was “born in South Korea.” WHAT THE FUCK. Really???? — Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) July 22, 2015

The fact none of you realize the flare-hallway sequence in BAD BLOOD is from ALIEN 3 disappoints me. Fincher FTW. — Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) July 22, 2015

Watch the two videos below. What do you think? Are the similarities in the concepts of these two videos entirely understandable, coming from the basis of a futuristic setting, or is it a case of plagiarism?

2NE1 – “Come Back Home”

Taylor Swift – “Bad Blood”

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