Olivia Marsh, the older sister of NewJeans’ Danielle (NJZ Danielle), has issued a public apology following accusations of plagiarism. While she initially gained attention due to her connection to the popular K-pop idol, this controversy has cast a shadow over her rising music career.
Plagiarism Allegations Sparked by Isaac Dunbar
The controversy erupted when singer-songwriter Isaac Dunbar accused Olivia Marsh of plagiarizing his 2019 song “Onion Boy.” Taking to social media, Dunbar stated, “My self-composed song, written in my bedroom in 2019, was completely stolen.” His claim quickly spread, and soon after, his name was added to the credits of Marsh’s song “Backseat.”
Isaac Dunbar, a highly regarded singer-songwriter, gained recognition for his unique musical style at a young age. He began composing at 14 and later signed with RCA Records at 16. With a dedicated fanbase, including many in South Korea, his accusations sparked a wave of discussion.
As listeners compared the two songs, more people noticed the striking similarities, adding fuel to the controversy.
Olivia Marsh’s Agency Acknowledges the Claims
On February 24, Olivia Marsh’s agency, Amplify, released an official statement, acknowledging the plagiarism. They admitted, “After a direct comparison, we concluded that Isaac Dunbar’s claim makes sense. We have reached an amicable agreement and are working on credit registration, composer shares, and other necessary steps to protect the original creator’s rights.”
The agency also apologized, stating, “This situation reminds us of our responsibility to uphold creativity and fair artistic practices. We regret this deeply and will take steps to prevent similar issues in the future.”
Olivia Marsh personally addressed the controversy, saying, “I sincerely apologize to Isaac Dunbar and my fans. We will improve our internal review process to ensure this never happens again.”
Impact on Olivia Marsh’s Image
Despite her quick response, Olivia Marsh’s reputation has suffered. She previously promoted herself as a singer-songwriter, emphasizing that her debut album was entirely self-composed. However, the plagiarism admission contradicts this claim, leading to scepticism about her artistic credibility.
As NewJeans’ Danielle’s older sister, Olivia initially enjoyed heightened public interest and a promising reputation. However, the plagiarism controversy has overshadowed her music, sparking criticism from both fans and industry professionals.
Going forward, Olivia Marsh will need to rebuild public trust and prove her artistic integrity through transparent, original work.
Source – XSports News Korea