Two video clips side by side; one from ASAP Rocky's video, one filmed in 2019, amid asap rocky video controversy.

Controversy Arises as ASAP Rocky’s Video Mirrors Artists’ Work Without Consent

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-28

ASAP Rocky faces accusations of using AI to replicate the creative work of video artists and a parkour athlete in his latest music video, amid the scandal. A segment in the “Shroom Clouds” video, showing the rapper performing stunts through a kaleidoscopic effect, is strikingly similar to a 2019 Instagram video by VFX artist Cache Bunny. This resemblance was highlighted by Emonee LaRussa (@em0n33y), raising questions about copyright infringement through AI.

The Dispute Over ASAP Rocky’s Video

Originally, the clip featured parkour athlete Jason Paul and was captured using a 360-degree camera, then artistically edited. Paul remarks on the unexpected likeness, “I was quite surprised to see how similar his version was,” and humorously noted his worry about AI replacing jobs in parkour, not rappers.

The project, created in 2019 with Cache Bunny and artist Ari Fararooy, was a collaborative effort on a football field, utilizing innovative filming techniques. “We took an afternoon to shoot this,” Paul elaborates, “and then Cache Bunny worked her VFX magic.” As the dispute unfolds, it highlights issues like ai copyright infringement, stirring significant discourse.

This controversy reflects broader themes where artists transform spaces with sound to explore new boundaries in creativity.

Despite the similarities, Paul holds no grudge against ASAP Rocky, enjoying his music, yet questions the process allowing such replication. “It’d be nice if it went the other way,” he concludes, pondering where responsibility lies amid the scandal. The video credits two AI artists, sparking disappointment among fans.

Cache Bunny, in her Instagram stories, expressed her dismay over the situation, emphasizing that “stealing artists’ work is not ok.” She questions why the creators didn’t seek to license the original clip or create an inspired version instead, echoing concerns raised by the controversy.

ASAP Rocky has previously expressed ambivalence towards using AI in music production, sharing his thoughts with Complex magazine. He remains open-minded about others using AI but personally refrains from it in his music creation.

For more on reimagining public spaces with art, see how memorials blend into public environments, creating deep emotional connections.

Both Paul and Cache Bunny are contemplating their responses to this issue, highlighting ongoing debates about the influence of AI in creative fields, further fueled by the uproar.

Two video clips side by side; one from ASAP Rocky's video, one filmed in 2019, amid asap rocky video controversy.
The clip that appears in ASAP Rocky’s video, left, and the original clip filmed in 2019, right.

Sources & Links

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

What is ASAP Rocky accused of in his video?

ASAP Rocky faces accusations of using AI to replicate the creative work of video artists and a parkour athlete in his latest music video.

Which artists’ work does ASAP Rocky’s video resemble?

ASAP Rocky’s video resembles a 2019 Instagram video by VFX artist Cache Bunny and features work by parkour athlete Jason Paul.

What did Cache Bunny express about the controversy?

Cache Bunny expressed her dismay, emphasizing that “stealing artists’ work is not ok,” and questioned why the creators didn’t seek to license the original clip or create an inspired version instead.

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