India Arie To Jimmy Fallon And Justin Timberlake: 'I Demand My Life's Work Be Respected'
Justin Timberlake is at the center of cultural appropriation drama… again. This time, he and Jimmy Fallon have been accused of appropriating the work of India.Arie after reportedly stealing the name of her album for a comedy sketch on The Tonight Show.
The sketch most fans have a problem with is the one called “Songversation,” where Fallon and Timberlake basically sing their entire conversation. The game wasn’t the issue as much it was the title. Coincidentally, the name of sketch is actually the name of India 2013 studio album.
India.Arie eventually caught wind of the debate unravelling on social media and decided to give her own opinion on the "Songversation" sketch. “Just to be clear, I’m offended,” the songstress said of the late-night sketch. “THIS not what I have cultivated this word for. Nope.”
While she said she understands that the responsibility and blame doesn’t solely lie on Fallon and Timberlake, Arie still demanded that her “life’s work be RESPECTED.” “There will b no DRAGGING in my name. I’m not about that. But I speak up for myself ~ #songversation is sacred. Respect it. Respect me,” she added.
Check out the Sonversation sketch on The Tonight Show and India.Arie’s reactions here.