In a significant legal move, American contemporary artist Daniel Arsham has initiated a lawsuit against HYBE America, alleging unauthorized use of his artistic creation in a recent music video. As reported on April 7, 2025, by Seoul Wire, Arsham took action after discovering that his sculpture, Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT, features prominently in the promotional video for rapper Quavo’s upcoming project, Back to the Basics 2025.
This particular project is associated with Quality Control Music, a label under the umbrella of HYBE America. The concerns raised by Arsham focus on the fact that his work was included in the video without his consent or prior notification.
About Daniel Arsham and His Artistic Vision
For those unfamiliar, Daniel Arsham is a celebrated figure in the contemporary art world, recognized for his unique “eroded” sculptures that blend themes of decay with luxury. His innovative art has attracted attention in prestigious galleries worldwide and has also led to fruitful collaborations with high-profile brands such as Dior, Adidas, and Porsche.
According to reports, following the release of Quavo’s video on social media platforms last December, Arsham reached out multiple times to request cessation of the unauthorized usage. However, he claims to have received no acknowledgment of these requests. The artist alleges that the situation has resulted in both reputational damage and financial losses, asserting that the defendants appear to be attempting to capitalize on his name and artistic brand.
Understanding the Legal Context
HYBE America is a notable entity in the K-pop industry, operating as a part of the larger HYBE Corporation, which includes Quality Control and SB Projects—both of which were integrated into the U.S. label’s expansion strategy orchestrated by music executive Scooter Braun.
Although Quavo does not hold a direct contract with HYBE, his management by SB Projects ties him to the conglomerate, potentially complicating the case.
Arsham’s Artistic Journey and Legal Claims
Over the years, Daniel Arsham has exhibited his art in leading galleries and is currently represented by Galerie Perrotin in Paris. His collaborations extend across various sectors, including fashion and film, with notable partnerships alongside brands like Tiffany & Co. Recently, he was recognized in Hypebeast’s HB100, highlighting prominent cultural influencers.
Arsham has previously been involved in narrative-driven projects, including the Hourglass film series with Adidas, and his work resonates across both the artistic landscape and commercial realms.
As per court documents lodged in the Southern District of New York, Arsham’s lawsuit encompasses four critical legal claims: direct copyright infringement, vicarious infringement, contributory infringement, and a violation of his publicity rights. He is seeking financial restitution as well as an injunction against any future uses or distribution of the contested content, asserting his preference for a jury trial to adjudicate the matter.
At this stage, neither HYBE America nor Quavo’s management team has issued a public statement regarding the allegations made by Arsham.