Nickelodeon Pulls ‘Made By Maddie’ Show After Being Accused Of Copying Animation
Left image via Nick Jr., right image via Hair Love
Nickelodeon announced that it would be removing the Made by Maddie animated series after the children’s show was accused of plagiarizing an animated short, Hair Love.
Made By Maddie was supposed to air on 13 September but has since been pulled after viewers noticed similarities between the two animated shows.
Matthew A. Cherry’s Hair Love, distributed by Sony Pictures, is about a Black father learning to style his daughter’s hair. Made By Maddie, on the other hand, tells the story of a girl from New York City and how she uses her imagination to turn every problem into a positive one with the perfect fashion fix.
Both shows have similar depictions of Black families—the fathers have long locks, the mothers have natural curls and the daughters wear pink headbands. Both families also have a gray pet cat.
Social media users were quick to point out the similarities after Made by Maddie’s teaser was released, accusing it of plagiarism. “This series idea is so cute and I know it will make a lot of little girls happy but this is still plagiarism? Like, why not just hire black creatives like @MatthewACherry?” a Twitter user said. Other users showed a side-by-side comparison of both shows to show how alike they look.
A spokesperson for Nickelodeon told Variety, “Since announcing the story’s premiere date this week, we have been listening closely to the commentary, criticism and concern coming from both viewers and members of the creative community.”
Nickelodeon also offered words of respect to Hair Love after confirming it would axe Made by Maddie.
“In response, and out of respect to all voices in the conversation, we are removing the show from our schedule as we garner further insight into the creative journey of the show… We hold Mathew A. Cherry and the wonderful and inspiring Hair Love in the highest regard,” the spokesperson said.
Dream it, draw it, make it! Made by Maddie is coming to the Nick Jr. channel September 13th 👗 pic.twitter.com/XBBLbt6eZ2
— Nick Jr. (@nickjr) August 31, 2020
This series idea is so cute and I know it will make a lot of little girls happy... but this is still plagiarism...? Like, why not just hire black creatives like @MatthewACherry...?
— ❥ (@softblackgirls) September 2, 2020
@MatthewACherry, PLEASE tell me you’re going to do something about this. I legitimately thought Hair Love was getting an animated series. That alone should tell you enough.
— 𝒢𝒶𝒷𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓂𝓈 (@gabbyjaye) September 1, 2020
The family has a cat too...didn't even switch it to a dog. I mean...try to fool somebody. pic.twitter.com/eXEeOUuCQ2
— PhoenixRising (@PhoenixDCS72) September 2, 2020
@Nickjr We don't support plagiarism. YOU DIDN'T DREAM THIS OR DRAW IT. #BlackCreatorsMatter You thought you were going to steal from #MatthewCherry right in our faces & we weren't going to say anything??!#NickJr there's nothing new abt stealing Black labor to turn a profit. pic.twitter.com/QcW7BGEygu
— Caffeinated Living (@WokeLiving) September 1, 2020
The Director of Made By Maddie was fully aware of Hair Love's existence. Him & I were at the same animation workshop led by @MatthewACherry talmbout the making of the movie (which included SHOWING designs). This is art theft &
— Pearl Low | 盧寶珠 (@Fumi_chun) September 4, 2020
Disregard for Black creators & their art PERIOD. https://t.co/bWsylLOzWy
[via Variety, cover image via Nick Jr., right image via Hair Love]
