South African rap group Die Antwoord aren’t really known for staying away from controversy. They famously blasted Lady Gaga in one of their music videos and went under fire for allegedly donning black face. Now, the duo has launched themselves into further controversy, but this time, we think they might actually have a point.
Yolandi Visser, one half of Die Antwoord (you may recognize her from Chappie), went on Instagram to blast Suicide Squad director David Ayer for ripping off the group’s style. According to Visser, Harley Quinn and the Joker bear too much of a resemblance to her and her partner Ninja. She posted a scathing video comparing Ninja’s tattoos, expressions and outfits to the Joker. She also noted that Harley Quinn is wearing three watches, the very same number of watches that she wears, in addition to having similar overall art direction to their promotional photos and videos.
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According to Yolandi even Cara Delevingne and Jared Leto admitted the director might have been inspired by the rap group. She wrote, “Cara & Jared told us how much u were talkin abt us on set but u never asked our permision to rip us off.”
She then noted that the worst part about the whole thing was that “poor ninja had to sit thru dat hole bulls—t movie.”
The Joker and Harley Quinn do bear quite the resemblance to Yolandi and Ninja. It’s not enough that it looks completely deliberate, but you never know! Let’s compare.
Here are clipped together promotional shots of the Joker and Harley Quinn.
This is a promotional shot of Die Antwoord. Note the expressions and body language.
Here is a still of Harley Quinn from the movie.
And here is a still of Yolandi from one of Die Antwoord’s music videos. The vibe, the hot pants, the crop top — it’s all the same.
Here are the examples Yolandi pointed out of the Joker and Ninja – the pose, the slicked-back hair, the tattoos.
Look at their almost identical outfits.
What do you think? Was Die Antwoord too much of an inspiration for the Suicide Squad director? Does he owe them an apology?
