Drake’s use of a photo of Halle Berry being slimmed at the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards has taken another turn, with the rapper claiming the Oscar winner initially gave him permission.
Drake, 36, and SZA, 33, simultaneously shared the photo of Berry, 57, covered in green slime on their Instagrams last Thursday.
It was later revealed that this was the official cover art for new single Slime You Out, from his upcoming album For All The Dogs, due for release on October 6.
Berry blasted Drake in a comment on Instagram, where she said: “He asked me and I said NO.” Why ask if you’re going to do what you want to do! That was it, damn it, for me. Not cool.’
Now Drake is fighting back, with a rep for the rapper telling EW that Berry initially gave him permission to use the image, though it wasn’t to be used for “promotional purposes.”
Another twist: Drake’s use of a photo of Halle Berry being slimmed at the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards has taken another twist, with the rapper claiming the Oscar winner initially gave him permission
Blasted: Berry blasted Drake in a comment on Instagram, where she said, “He asked me and I said NO.” Why ask if you’re going to do what you want to do! That was it, damn it, for me. Not cool’
Originally: Now Drake is firing back, with a rep for the rapper telling EW that Berry initially gave him permission to use the image, though it wasn’t to be used for “promotional purposes.”
“Halle initially said he could use her photo, but then said no after further conversations because she thought it was for her official cover, which it wasn’t,” Drake’s spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson added: “We have made things right with Halle Berry and want everyone to move on.”
Although Drake and SZA’s post using Berry’s image remains on their respective Instagram pages, the artwork has been altered on various streaming platforms.
The unique artwork is now the same one used for his full album, which he revealed in August was a sketch of a dog made by his five-year-old son Adonis, which he shares with the French artist Sophie Brussaux.
Berry’s comment also remains on his Instagram, with a source refuting Drake’s statement, adding that it was still a “no” from him.
“Halle’s blunt comments on IG are absolutely true as it was a blanket no when she was approached,” the source said.
Berry added in another comment on Instagram: “He asked his people to call my people and I said NO, I didn’t like that image of drool on my face associated with his song.” still chose to do it! You see… it’s disrespect. Not cool!’
The rights to the 2012 photo belong to photographer Christopher Polk, who licensed the image to Getty Images.
First: “Halle initially said he could use her photo, but then said no after further conversations because she thought it was for her official cover, which it wasn’t” , Drake’s spokesperson said in a statement.
Corrected: The spokesperson added: “We have made things right with Halle Berry and want everyone to move on.”
New cover: The single cover is now the same as that used for his full album. He revealed in August that it was a drawing of a dog by his five-year-old son Adonis, who he shares with French artist Sophie Brussaux.
Drake explains: EW also obtained screenshots of Drake attempting to explain the situation to one of his representatives in a DM.
However, the Getty listing for the image reveals that Drake would need Berry’s permission to use the image for promotional purposes, such as as artwork for a new single.
EW also obtained screenshots of Drake attempting to explain the situation to one of his representatives in a DM.
“I spoke to Halle Berry and got her permission, she said no. I went to the company and we had [their] permission but I love Halle Berry and this was taken out of context,” Drake said in the post.
He added: “What we should focus on is the new album, my record and the executive producer of Slime You Out. [DJ Prince] who fights cancer. Let’s stay positive.
