“Street Man Fighter” Contestant Vata Responds To Allegations That He Plagiarized ATEEZ’s “Say My Name” Choreography
Mnet‘s Street Man Fighter contestant Vata responded to the plagiarism accusations stemming from the intro of one of his choreography for the show.
On October 14, the dancer uploaded a message addressing the allegations. In his statement, Vata reveals he had thought the allegations would pass, but as the controversy grew, he felt he needed to speak on it.
I thought this would be a cold wind that would breeze by, but I am writing this to stop the misunderstandings.
— Vata
The dancer then explained his process of coming up with the controversial choreography.
When I first heard the song, I thought of the wilderness, and so I made the intro of riding a horse or motorcycle. That’s why in the beginning, there is a motion of kicking to start the engine and a motion of getting off the bike. These are parts of one move that transition from one to the other.
— Vata
Vata then argued that the choreography that he had allegedly copied had a different transition and was different in its intent.
I think the choreography its being compared to has a different transition and means something different entirely.
— Vata
Vata finished his statement by stating he was disappointed at the lack of respect between artists and dancers.
As someone who loves the dance culture, I believe it is at its best when the artist and dancer respect one another. It saddens me to see that this isn’t taking place.
— Vata
Plagiarism allegations were first brought up after Vata revealed his choreography for ZICO’s “New Thing.” Many felt that the intro to his choreography was too similar to international choreographer Anze Skrube‘s choreography for ATEEZ‘s “Say My Name.” Anze Skrube would later address the controversy personally to state he felt this was a case of plagiarizing.
The controversy hit new heights when ATEEZ member seemed to allude to the allegations during a performance when he motioned a move that is used to call out a dancer plagiarizing another.
that move he did at the beginning, dancers use it to indicate its copied/stolen. 5000 used it in smf during one of the battles. wooyoung doing this move and then doing the driving dance. they know 😭 pic.twitter.com/GX1uFaL5qO
— dee (@azfxon) October 9, 2022
Read Vata’s full statement below.
This is Vata.
I thought this would be a cold wind that would breeze by, but I am writing this to stop the misunderstandings.
When I first heard the song, I thought of the wilderness and so I made the intro of riding a horse or motorcycle. That’s why in the beginning, there is a motion of kicking to start the engine and a motion of getting off the bike. These are parts of one move that transition from one to the other.
I think the choreography its being compared to has a different transition and means something different entirely.
As someone who loves the dance culture, I believe it is at its best when the artist and dancer respect one another. It saddens me to see that this isn’t taking place.
Regardless of the reason, I apologize to viewers of Street Man Fighter and to those who root for We Dem Boyz for any controversy that had occurred on my behalf. I will repay you by putting on a better stage.
— Vata
