Taylor Swift Accused of Stealing New Orleans Artist Ally Burguieres' Work

Seven time Grammy winner Taylor Swift, who has always fought for artist's rights, is now being accused of pilfering one.  TMZ reports that New Orleans artist Ally Burguieres is accusing the "Bad Blood" singer of stealing one of her drawings to help promote her recent Grammy nominated 1989 album.  In an open latter that recently went viral on Facebook, Burgeuieres claims the 26-year old Billboard winner took an original watercolor illustration she drew of a fox and posted in on Instagram with Swift's lyrics to "I Know Places."  

"As a professional artist, I was astonished to see you use one of my most popular designs on all your official social media platforms as part of your promotions for 1989. While I wondered why no one had sought permission or offered compensation to do so, I recognized that such endorsement is a once-in-a-lifetime boost for an artist and can skyrocket an artist's career," the artist writes before adding "Friends congratulated me and customers expressed joy. But congratulations turned to confusion. The design was a copy, and with someone else's name signed to it."

Apparently the 33-year old artist was angry that the "Blank Space" vocalist, who at one time clashed with Apple Music to give fair payment to independent musicians, never gave her credit for the drawing.  She further stated that Swift's people offered her compensation with the condition that the money must go to a charity for animals.

However, Swift's side claims the American Music Award winner was just reposting a piece of fan art and offered Burgeuieres a licensing fee that was "well above reasonable".  They further denied making demands as to what the artist could do with the money and believe the artist is just looking for a larger pay out.    

Ironically this isn't the first time the PA. born musician was accused of profiting from an unknown artist.  Back in June, freelance photojournalist Jason Sheldon claimed Swift's people were prohibiting photographers to license their concert photos to publications without signing over the rights in case the "Wildest Dreams" songstress wanted to use them to further promote her work.   

At present, Burgeuieres asserts she will not accept the licensing offer because of the charity condition and will not attempt a lawsuit as she doesn't have the funds to mount a proper court case. She subsequently posted that Tay's team told her the songstress isn't interested in crediting the work "because-according to her team-her endorsement is too "valuable."