In a new and unexpected celebrity beef, grunge rocker Courtney Love is feuding with Disney star Olivia Rodrigo over a photo. The “good 4 u” singer, 18, recently announced a prom-themed concert film for her debut album SOUR, and the artwork has the Hole frontwoman, 56, in a stir.
Love pointed out similarities between the image of Rodrigo rocking a pink prom dress and tiara with smeared mascara to Hole’s Live Through This album cover. “Spot the difference! #twinning!” Love wrote on Instagram, with a wink emoji. Rodrigo appeared flattered, commenting, “love u and live through this sooooo much.”
View this post on Instagram
While the interaction initially appeared harmless, Love was in fact more upset than she had originally let on, turning to Facebook to reveal her frustration. “It was rude of her, and [Rodrigo’s label] geffen not to ask myself or [the photographer of Live Through This] Ellen von unwerth,” she wrote. “It’s happened my whole career so I d c. But manners is manners!”
Related: Olivia Rodrigo sounds off on sexist critics.
A fan in the comments then stuck up for Rodrigo, writing: “This is a silly thing to get mad about. Artists steal all the time. See Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie and countless others. Plus she’s a kid. Why not be proud of the impact you have on her and others, instead of sniping at someone paying homage or borrowing one of your ideas?”
This appeared to tick off Love, who replied: “Stealing an original idea and not asking permission is rude. There’s no way to be elegant about it,” she began. “I’m not angry. It happens all the time to me. And [usually] I’m very gracious or say nothing. But this was bad form,” she explained. “This person’s music has nothing to do with my life. Possibly never will. It was rude and I [have] every right to stick up for my work,” she continued. “Don’t gatekeep me! I’m honorable as f*** to my fellow artists, and I expect the same.”
View this post on Instagram
She then circled back and responded to Rodrigo’s comment on Instagram by seemingly asking for an apology and flowers to accompany it. “Olivia — you’re welcome,” she replied. “My favorite florist is in Notting Hill, London! Dm me for deets! I look forward to reading your note!”
“Does Disney teach kids reading and writing? God knows,” she then wrote on Facebook. “Let’s see. Yes this is rude. Rage inducing? Honey if I had a dollar for everyone [sic] this happens? I’d be real rich!”
Rodrigo’s concert film premieres today, so fans will have to see if any more of the imagery sparks a reaction from Love.
Related: The pop-punk renaissance is here, thanks to Olivia Rodrigo and Willow Smith.
