Donald Glover Accused by Album Cover Model of Unfair Treatment and Low Pay

Renowned artist Donald Glover, also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, has been embroiled in controversy after allegations have surfaced of him mistreating his creative team, particularly those involved in the production of his album artwork for 'Awaken, My Love!'

Allegations from the Album Model

Giannina Antonette Oteto, the model featured on the groundbreaking album's cover that was released in 2016, has voiced her difficulty in celebrating her work due to the negative experiences she alleges to have endured. Although she publicly expressed her excitement and pride for being a part of the album, a recent social media update, which has since been removed, shed light on her unpleasant journey so far.

Claims of Being Underpaid

Oteto, accompanied by a makeup artist and stylist, who are also black women, claims they were exploited and deceived throughout their time working on the album. Despite assurances of financial compensation, Oteto asserts that they received inadequate initial pay and were promised residuals that never materialized. Exclusively, it appears that only the white female creator of a certain headpiece used for the album received residual payments, despite not being present on set.

The emotional toll of the issue has been exacerbated for Oteto by the fact that she and her team worked on the project with immense dedication and a sense of representation for black artists. However, attempts to reach a resolution through legal means have been met with silence from Glover's camp, according to Oteto.

Donald Glover's Acclaimed Career

Beyond the accusatory shadows cast upon Glover, it's notable that his career has been illustrious with a wide array of accomplishments. 'Awaken, My Love!' stands as his third studio album, and it earned Glover multiple Grammy nominations and even a win. Besides music, Glover has earned accolades as a writer, director, comedian, and actor in various influential pieces such as 'Atlanta', 'The Lion King', and he's set to appear in an upcoming Amazon rendition of 'Mr and Mrs Smith.'

The representatives of Donald Glover have not yet responded to these allegations.

allegations, controversy, misconduct