Halle Berry Expresses Disapproval Over Drake's Use of Her Image on Song Cover

When Drake unveiled the cover artwork for his latest single with singer SZA called "Slime You Out," it featured an incredibly memorable photograph. The image captures Berry being drenched in slime at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

View full post on Instagram

This picture is available for licensing through Getty and Berry does not own it. However, fans were quite taken aback when they discovered that the rapper had never sought permission from the actress to use her likeness to promote his music.

Christopher Polk/KCA2012//Getty Images

The news broke a day after Drake shared the photo on Instagram. Berry then posted a somewhat cryptic pink square on her own timeline with the text, "Sometimes you have to take the high road... even if you're a woman!"

View full post on Instagram

Naturally, her followers were eager to understand what the star was specifically alluding to. In the comment section, she was asked, "What are your thoughts on Drake using that photo of you for his single?"

She replied, "He didn't seek my consent. That's not cool, I expected more from him!"

Later, she added, "Hence my post today. When people you admire let you down, you have to rise above!"

Many debated the freedom to license the photo, with some disagreeing with Berry's perspective. However, she offered further clarification in subsequent comments. A second follower commented, "It's about the principle, you either get it or you don't... oh well... it's the principle!"

"Exactly!! It's about principles and integrity," Berry responded. "I'm so glad many of you understand that."

On streaming platforms, Berry's photo is not the official artwork for the single. Instead, they are using it as the cover for Drake's upcoming album, "For All the Dogs," which was illustrated by his son, Adonis Graham.

View full post on Instagram

Aimée Lutkin

Aimée Lutkin serves as the weekend editor at ELLE.com.

Her composition has been featured in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire, and various other publications. Her initial publication, The Solitary Pursuer, is scheduled to be published by Dial Press in February of 2022.