Beyonce Knowles - Beyonce Reacts To Plagiarism Accusations

Beyonce is being accused of stealing the dance moves featured in her music video for new single 'Countdown'. Leading Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker spoke to Studio Brussel about her anger at not being approached before 'her' moves were used in the clip.

According to Keersmaeker, Beyonce and video director ADRIA PERRY stole the moves, costumes and staging from her 1983 piece 'Rosas danst Rosas'. In a statement reacting to the accusation, the singer does not deny that De Keersmaeker's work was an influence on the video, admitting, "Clearly, the ballet Rosas danst Rosas was one of many references for my video Countdown. It was one of the inspirations used to bring the feel and look of the song to life". However, she also highlights the Audrey Hepburn movie 'Funny Face', film star Brigitte Bardot, artist Andy Warhol and soul legend Diana Ross as further influences, saying, "I've always been fascinated by the way contemporary art uses different elements and references to produce something unique". Keersmaeker described the Beyonce video as having "little edge to it", adding, "It's seductive in an entertaining, consumerist way".

'Countdown', the third single from Beyonce's '4', began its radio airplay on 4th October 2011. It will be digitally released in the United Kingdom on 30th October 2011.