Beyonce Accused of Stealing Another Artist’s Work, Again

As Beyonce twirls and swirls through her dance-centric new 'Countdown' video, accusations are also swirling that the singer has copied choreography, wardrobe and aesthetics from the work of Belgian contemporary choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.

The hypnotizing visuals for her instantly popular new video include obvious references to Audrey Hepburn à la her 1957 film 'Funny Face.' However, a few dance sequences and scenes in 'Countdown' may be a little too referential, bordering on blatant copying, when placed side by side with the work of De Keersmaeker, as a YouTube user has so conveniently done.

The YouTube clip flashes between scenes from Beyonce's new music video and the Belgian choreographers work in past films. The resemblance is striking, but is it plagiarism or just paying homage, as Bey claimed of her Bob Fosse 'Mexican Breakfast' routine in the viral 'Single Ladies' video?

De Keersmaeker has spoken out about Bey's new video on a Danish blog saying: "I didn't know anything about this. I'm not mad, but this is plagiarism ... This is stealing. They took pieces from 'Achterland' and 'Rosas danst Rosas.' It's a bit rude, I must say. What's rude about it is that they don't even bother about hiding it. They seem to think they could do it because it's a famous work." But isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery, De Keersmaeker? "Am I honored? Look, I've seen local school kids doing this. That's a lot more beautiful." Ouch!

Recently, the 30-year-old former Destiny's Child lead was accused of ripping off a 2010 performance by Italian pop singer Lorella Cuccerini for her performance at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, which Bey retrospectively claimed "inspired [her] so much."

So how will Queen B defend herself this time? Watch the work of De Keersmaeker alongside Beyonce's 'Countdown' video below.