Addison Rae and Jimmy Fallon have received huge backlash after Rae was accused of stealing viral TikTok dances to use during her appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – where she promoted her new single ‘Obsessed’.
Rae was criticised for not crediting the original dance creators – most of whom are black – during her segment. Many viewers shared their dismay via Twitter and urged the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to credit the creators for their originality and creativity.
I think Black creators should just stop creating content for like a good 6 months and just observe what these people come up with https://t.co/xJiXRnUdcX
— Annalise Keating (@Ariannnyy_) March 27, 2021
This is a miss @jimmyfallon. Let’s give credit to the black creators…… https://t.co/4fy9p96J1G
— Sunny Hostin (@sunny) March 28, 2021
The severe internet criticism resulted in the show later adding the original creators to the YouTube video’s description:
“Full list of TikTok handles of each dance’s creator below:
Do It Again – dc: @noahschnapp
Savage Love – dc: @jazlynebaybee
Corvette Corvette – dc: @yvnggprince
Laffy Taffy – dc: @flyboyfu
Savage – dc: @kekejanjah
Blinding Lights – dc: @macdaddyz
Up – dc: @theemyanicole
Fergalicious – dc: @thegilberttwins”
This incident showcases the importance of crediting creators for their original content: more often than not, content ideas are stolen from other creators. Influencers and celebrities – such as Rae and Fallon – need to set a proper example and give credit where it’s due.