Camila Cabello accused of plagiarizing Selena Gomez: Is her hobby to copy others?

In the ever-competitive pop music industry, where artists fight to carve out a distinctive sound, accusations of plagiarism and creative copying are not uncommon. Recently, Camila Cabello, the pop sensation known for hits like Havana and Señorita, found herself in the crosshairs of criticism, with some fans accusing her of borrowing heavily from fellow pop star Selena Gomez. The debate, fueled by social media, suggests that Cabello’s music, aesthetic, and artistic inspirations may be drawing a little too close to Gomez’s style.

Are these claims valid, or are they simply the byproduct of the internet’s tendency to pit female artists against one another? Let’s take a closer look at the roots of these allegations, how the two artists’ careers compare, and what this controversy says about originality in pop music.

The Origin of the Plagiarism Allegations

The buzz around Camila Cabello’s alleged plagiarism began when fans started pointing out similarities between her chart-topping hit Havana and Selena Gomez’s 2015 single Same Old Love. According to critics, both songs share a melancholic, piano-driven melody and explore themes of heartbreak. These parallels, they argued, went beyond coincidence, prompting some listeners to wonder whether Cabello was consciously borrowing from Gomez’s hit.

This wasn’t the only time the two singers had been compared. Over the years, Cabello and Gomez have frequently been the subjects of side-by-side comparisons, from their personal styles to their music videos. While it’s normal for artists in the same genre to overlap in certain ways, Cabello’s detractors claim that the similarities suggest more than just shared influences—they hint at imitation.

A Closer Look at “Havana” vs. “Same Old Love”

One of the central accusations revolves around the sonic parallels between Havana and Same Old Love.

Melodic Similarities

Both songs have a laid-back, minor-key vibe that gives them a bittersweet tone. While Havana leans more heavily on its Latin-inspired beat and features sultry horns, the underlying structure of the piano riff bears a resemblance to the one driving Same Old Love.

However, critics argue that such comparisons can often be overstated. There are only so many chords, progressions, and tempos that can be used in pop music, which inevitably leads to certain songs sounding alike without any malicious intent. Some musicologists have pointed out that Havana incorporates Cuban musical influences that distinguish it from Gomez’s more electro-pop style.

Fashion and Aesthetic Overlaps: “Spring Breakers” Controversy

The alleged imitation isn’t limited to Cabello’s music. Another point of contention arose when Cabello debuted a daring look during Paris Fashion Week in September 2024. Her outfit—a lacy bodysuit and black ski mask—was strikingly similar to the edgy aesthetic of the 2013 film Spring Breakers, which famously starred Selena Gomez.

When asked about the outfit, Cabello openly admitted that she had drawn inspiration from the film, describing it as part of her vision for a “girl gang” aesthetic. While some fans appreciated the homage, others accused her of deliberately mimicking Gomez’s past work in an attempt to stir up attention.

This raises an important question: When does drawing inspiration cross the line into plagiarism? In the arts, creators frequently borrow from one another, remixing ideas and images to create something new. The key is to add a personal touch that distinguishes the new work from its influences. Whether Cabello’s Spring Breakers-inspired look achieved that balance remains a matter of debate.

The Role of Shared Collaborators

One factor that may explain some of the perceived similarities between Camila Cabello and Selena Gomez is their use of shared collaborators. Both artists have worked with some of the industry’s top producers and songwriters, including Benny Blanco and Frank Dukes. These behind-the-scenes figures often contribute to an artist’s sound, meaning that it’s not unusual for two different artists to end up with tracks that feel stylistically similar.

For instance, Frank Dukes co-produced both Havana and Same Old Love, which may explain why the two tracks share certain sonic elements. In cases like this, the lines between homage, influence, and coincidence become blurred, making it difficult to assign blame or determine intent.

Social Media Amplifies the Debate

In today’s digital age, social media platforms play a massive role in shaping how controversies unfold. Fan communities on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram were instrumental in bringing attention to the perceived similarities between Cabello and Gomez. Hashtags like #CamilaCabelloPlagiarism and #SameOldHavana trended as fans dissected every aspect of the two artists’ careers, from their fashion choices to their vocal styles.

While some fans expressed genuine concerns about plagiarism, others seemed more interested in fueling a rivalry between the two singers. This tendency to pit female artists against each other is, unfortunately, a recurring theme in the music industry. Instead of celebrating their unique strengths, women in pop often find themselves being compared, contrasted, and accused of copying one another—a dynamic that rarely affects their male counterparts to the same extent.

Camila Cabello’s Response

Camila Cabello has largely stayed silent on the plagiarism accusations, preferring to focus on her music and career. In interviews, she has emphasized her commitment to authenticity, frequently discussing how her Cuban heritage influences her creative process.

In response to broader questions about originality in pop music, Cabello has pointed out that modern pop is inherently collaborative. “Every song is a melting pot of ideas, sounds, and influences,” she said in a 2023 interview. “What makes it special is how you bring your own perspective to it.”

The Nature of Influence in Pop Music

The accusations against Camila Cabello highlight a broader issue in pop music: the fine line between inspiration and imitation. In a genre that relies heavily on trends, it’s inevitable that certain sounds, styles, and themes will recur across multiple artists’ work.

However, there are ways to pay homage to an influence without veering into plagiarism. The key lies in adding a distinctive, personal twist that transforms the borrowed elements into something fresh and original.

Legal vs. Public Opinion: Navigating Plagiarism Allegations

Legally, proving plagiarism in music is no easy task. Courts typically look for substantial similarity between two songs, as well as evidence that the accused artist had access to the original work. In the case of Havana vs. Same Old Love, no lawsuits have been filed, suggesting that the legal threshold for plagiarism hasn’t been met.

However, in the court of public opinion, the standards are much looser. Even minor similarities can spark accusations, particularly when fans are predisposed to see rivalries between artists.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Creativity and Collaboration

The allegations against Camila Cabello may not be cut-and-dry, but they do offer a valuable lesson about the challenges of creativity in the modern music landscape. In an era where everything is hyper-scrutinized, artists must navigate the tricky balance between drawing inspiration and maintaining originality.

For Camila Cabello, the key to moving past these allegations lies in continuing to evolve as an artist—building on her influences while finding new ways to express her unique voice. Meanwhile, fans and critics alike would do well to remember that creativity is rarely a solo endeavor. It’s a collaborative, iterative process, shaped by countless inputs, inspirations, and ideas.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: both Camila Cabello and Selena Gomez are talented, hard-working artists who have each made their mark on pop music in their own way. Whether they choose to collaborate, compete, or simply coexist, there’s plenty of room for both of them at the top.