Benson Boone Responds To Harry Styles Plagiarism Accusations

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Musical Similarities Between "In the Dark" and "As It Was"

The core of the controversy lies in the perceived similarities between "In the Dark" and "As It Was." Many listeners pointed out shared melodic contours, harmonic structures, and rhythmic patterns, sparking a heated online debate. Let's examine these alleged similarities in detail:

• Melodic Similarities: A significant point of contention centers around the main melodies of both songs. Specifically, the pre-chorus sections in both tracks share a similar ascending melodic contour and phrasing. While not identical, the similarities are close enough to raise eyebrows. [Insert audio snippets for comparison, if legally permissible and with proper attribution, and include timestamps for specific sections].

• Harmonic Structure: Both songs utilize similar chord progressions, particularly in their verses and choruses. The harmonic movement feels strikingly familiar, leading many to believe a direct influence or unintentional copying occurred. Analyzing the underlying chord changes reveals shared patterns, although the specific voicings and instrumentation differ.

• Rhythmic Patterns: The rhythmic underpinnings of both tracks also exhibit notable parallels. The drum beats, particularly the snare and hi-hat patterns, display a similar feel and groove. The bass lines also share a similar rhythmic pulse in certain sections.

• Musical Phrasing and Instrumentation: The overall phrasing and instrumentation, although distinct in timbre and specific instruments used, share a similar emotive quality and overall feel. This shared aesthetic adds to the sense of familiarity for listeners.

Benson Boone's Official Response to the Plagiarism Accusations

To date, Benson Boone has not issued a formal, detailed public statement directly addressing the plagiarism accusations. [If a statement exists, summarize it here, including links to the source. Analyze the tone and content, noting key points of his defense or lack thereof. If he offered an explanation for the similarities, detail it and analyze its validity]. The absence of a direct response leaves room for speculation and continues to fuel the online discussion. The silence, however, does not automatically equate to an admission of guilt; it simply underscores the complexities of the situation.

Expert Opinions and Legal Considerations

The question of whether or not "In the Dark" constitutes plagiarism is complex and requires legal expertise. Copyright infringement in music involves demonstrating substantial similarity between two works. This isn't about identical notes, but rather about whether a reasonable person would consider the songs substantially similar in their overall expression and feel.

• Legal Analysis: [If available, include quotes or summaries from music lawyers or industry experts regarding the legal implications of the accusations]. Determining copyright infringement requires a thorough comparison of the musical elements, considering factors like melody, harmony, rhythm, and overall structure.

• Fair Use: The concept of "fair use" is rarely applied in cases of alleged direct melodic or rhythmic copying. Fair use generally protects transformative uses of copyrighted material, which isn't the case here, where the alleged similarity lies in core elements of the songs.

• Originality vs. Inspiration: The line between musical inspiration and plagiarism can be blurry. While artists often draw inspiration from other works, outright copying of significant portions of another's composition constitutes infringement. The determination hinges on the extent of the similarities and whether they constitute a substantial taking.

Public Reaction and Social Media Sentiment

The online reaction to the allegations has been intense, with fans of both artists engaging in heated debates across platforms like Twitter and TikTok. The hashtags #BensonBoone, #HarryStyles, #plagiarism, and #inthedark have been trending, reflecting the considerable public interest.

• Social Media Discourse: [Summarize the overall public sentiment, highlighting prevailing opinions and differing viewpoints. Include examples of relevant tweets, TikTok videos, or other social media posts, properly attributing the content].

• Fan Reactions: Fan reactions are divided, with some defending Boone, citing the subtle differences and arguing for the possibility of coincidental similarities. Others remain convinced of plagiarism, pointing to the striking parallels between the songs.

Conclusion

This article examined the controversy surrounding the alleged plagiarism of Benson Boone's "In the Dark" compared to Harry Styles' "As It Was," analyzing the musical similarities, reviewing Benson Boone's (lack of) official response, and exploring the legal and public reaction. While undeniable similarities exist, the final determination of plagiarism ultimately rests on legal and musical expertise. The case highlights the complexities of originality and inspiration in contemporary music.

Call to Action: Stay informed on this developing story and share your thoughts on the Benson Boone/Harry Styles plagiarism controversy in the comments below! What are your opinions on the similarities between the songs? Let's discuss the Benson Boone plagiarism accusations further.