Britney Spears initially lashed out at Halsey on social media for copying her 2000 music video “Lucky” in Halsey’s new Gia Coppola-directed video. Britney felt “harassed, violated, and bullied,” and claimed the video made her look like a “superficial pop star.”
However, Britney quickly deleted the post and replaced it with one saying, “Fake news !!! That was not me on my phone !!! I love Halsey and that’s why I deleted it !!!”
Halsey responded positively, quote-tweeting Britney’s post and expressing her admiration, saying, “I love Britney!!!! I always have and always will 💕 you were the first person who ever made me realize what it means to feel inspired. And you continue to inspire me every day.”
Halsey released her song and video for “Lucky” earlier that day, claiming she had gotten approval from Britney to interpolate the song. When a fan asked if she had permission, Halsey confirmed, “Yes, of course! I wouldn’t even dream of doing it without her blessing!”
Britney’s original outburst accused Halsey of depicting her as a heartless pop star and mentioned her own health problems. She stated, “For obvious reasons I’m very upset about the Halsey video. I feel harassed, violated, and bullied. I didn’t know an artist like her and someone I looked up to and admired would illustrate me in such an ignorant way by tailoring me as a superficial pop star with no heart or concern at all. I have my own health problems which is why I took down my IG account yesterday. I will definitely be putting it back up now to show I CARE. I’m speaking with my lawyers today to see what can be done on this matter. It feels illegal and downright cruel.”
Halsey’s video explores the duality of a young girl idolizing her, while behind the scenes, she struggles with her relationship and health. The video shows her getting medical treatments and removing her wig to reveal a shaved head, which she references in the lyrics.
“Lucky” is set to be part of Halsey’s upcoming fifth studio album, her first since 2021’s “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power,” produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
