Doesn't this "Friday" feel a little more naked than others?
We're definitely missing Rebecca Black's video, and we're not the only ones.
Ark Music, the company that unleashed the beast produced the original YouTube-borne sensation, says it was "blindsided" by the teen (or, more likely, her business reps') decision to suddenly yank the video down, claiming copyright infringement.
Obviously, they aren't feeling very TGIF about the whole thing...
"We're disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues," a rep from Ark Music said in a statement to E! News,There's been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice—with no notice—alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca's representatives."
Ark maintains that its use of the video was "fully authorizied as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder."
Despite the slap in the face, the rep continued, Ark Music will "continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch 'Friday' for free each day can continue to enjoy the video."
And because this new Rebecca Blackless world we're living in is a cruel one, Ark has come up with "TGI Fridays," a showcase of cover versions of "Friday" by well-known artists ranging from the Glee cast to Katy Perry, as well as parodies, to help fill the void while the original is missing.
Sounds good to us!
All in all, Ark hopes there is no bad blood between it and the singer, saying, "We've been pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career."
Aw, can't we just hug it out? It is "Friday" after all.
—Reporting by Ashley Fultz