Did Olivia Marsh copy Isaac Dunbar's song? NewJeans (NJZ) Danielle's sister faces plagiarism allegations

Olivia Marsh is no stranger to the music industry as long before debuting as a solo artist, she was under the names Gyuna as a songwriter and Livy as a producer. Music, it seems, runs in the family ¡ª she's the older sister of Danielle, a member of NewJeans (now NJZ). However, Olivia's latest release, Backseat, has stirred controversy, drawing criticism from Isaac Dunbar ¡ª an alternative pop singer-songwriter.

Olivia Marsh (???? ??) - 'Backseat' Official MVhttps://t.co/nYx9Tqobai

?Olivia Marsh¡¯s first EP [Meanwhile] https://t.co/gSgiNaX6fM#OliviaMarsh #?????? #MPLIFY #Backseat #Meanwhile pic.twitter.com/XjvRwq0qw7

¡ª Olivia Marsh Official (@livvy__marsh) February 21, 2025

What exactly happened?

Shortly after Backseat was released, Isaac took to his Instagram, sharing his own song Onion Boy, and wrote: "Stole the song I wrote and produced when I was 17!! lololol also whoever tried to recreate my stems flopped. hahahahahahah" The post quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions online.

Credit: Instagram|isaacdunbar

Why are NewJeans fans getting involved?

Given that Olivia is Danielle's sister, NJZ fans (known as Tokki) jumped to her defense, questioning why Isaac hadn't reached out to the singer's management privately instead of posting publicly. In fact, some even went far as being racist to the artist.

firstly, that apology should go out to that artist who has now become a target of internet trolls and haters.
secondly, i get that to err is human, but boy you fueled those flames like you were at a gaddamn barbecue.
lastly, next time you want to vent, you phone a friend.

¡ª PoppyKPoppie (@PoppyKPoppie) February 21, 2025

we support Olivia because atleast she's not a gay gang monkey like you isaac.

¡ª L ? (@keroscns) February 22, 2025

However, many K-pop fans were quick to remind Tokkis that a similar situation unfolded months earlier, when NewJeans' CEO Min Hee Jin accused another HYBE group of plagiarizing NewJeans ¡ª despite offering little concrete proof. This parallel reignited fan wars, with both sides clashing online and both artists facing backlash.

Girl just admit you stole his music and give him his credit. Your family was raising hell over black hair and hanbok and actively fueling massive hate towards 5 teenage girls. Fvcking hypocrite https://t.co/MC2upPqXHc

¡ª Confetti (@finessebombshel) February 21, 2025

Olivia Marsh's management responds

Following the uproar, Olivia¡¯s management released an official statement: "We are aware of concerns raised regarding [Backseat] and allegations of plagiarism. We take these matters very seriously and are committed to upholding artistic integrity and originality in all our work.

At this time, we are conducting a thorough review of the situation to understand the concerns and ensure transparency. We respect the rights of all creators and will address this matter appropriately. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our listeners and the wider music community. Further updates will be provided as we gather more information."

pic.twitter.com/unGEbIgPZv

¡ª Olivia Marsh Official (@livvy__marsh) February 21, 2025

Fan reaction to this statement

Many K-pop fans, whose idols were hurt in the whole HYBE vs Min Hee Jin drama came forward to support Isaac. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to state how "plagiarism runs in the family" as there were old posts stating NewJeans copying their concept from a girl group called Jeans from Mexico.

Targeting a queer black independent artist than be racist towards poc jst bec the artist called her n team directly https://t.co/Z75OzSY6y3 pic.twitter.com/eta9cDZ0Bf

¡ª o!ru l2 (@ru_l0113) February 21, 2025

Miss girl ur parents are literally the plagiarism police and actively fueled a mass hate train against 5 innocent girls? https://t.co/ycXtSZB5kR pic.twitter.com/SVn1Abhdd3

¡ª ?????????? ???? ?????? (@ichiibunz) February 21, 2025

your sister and family giving 5 teenage girls hell over having black hair and here you are blatantly ripping off another artist entire song https://t.co/DLBh5n6I0b pic.twitter.com/JnsCprN8EO

¡ª HYE IN (@hyeslaynn) February 21, 2025

Didn¡¯t your mother & sis accuse another group for copying their concept only for you to steal someone else¡¯s work. https://t.co/wmyMqB66Kp pic.twitter.com/NNC1LjCren

¡ª o t s e v e n (@ana_epiphany) February 22, 2025

Isaac Dunbar issues an apology

Isaac went on to delete his other posts showing the proof of plagiarism and on X (formerly Twitter) he also addressed the situation, apologizing for his impulsive reaction.

"Everything is being handled behind the scenes. I don't want my expressions of frustration to be a reason for people to be mean to each other. I'm sorry if I came across like I don't like this artist ¡ª I really didn't know she had a big following. We are handling things privately. I have no ill feelings towards anyone ¡ª especially those defending her!! I expressed how I felt and that's that.

"I'm an independent artist without a large team behind me ¡ª I made the song when I did. I think this whole thing has really blown out of proportion and, yes, I should've controlled what I said on social media. I am sorry for sounding unprofessional and acting out of impulsivity. Everything is being sorted behind the scenes, and I just don¡¯t want anyone fighting with each other. PLZZZZZZZZ."

everything is being handled behind the scenes: i don¡¯t want my expressions of frustration to be a reason for people to be mean to each other. i¡¯m sorry if i came across like i don¡¯t like this artist: i really didn¡¯t know she had a big following. we are handling things privately.¡­

¡ª Isaac Dunbar (@IsaacDunbar) February 21, 2025

Despite Isaac¡¯s apology, some fans argued he had no reason to say sorry, insisting he was simply standing up for his work.

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