KJ Apa Publicly Confronts Mr Fantasy Over Image Appropriation Following 'Do Me Right' Music Video

KJ Apa and Mr Fantasy are now at odds—at least publicly.

The 28-year-old actor posted a video to Instagram on Wednesday, May 6, directly addressing the viral sensation over what he characterizes as image misappropriation. In the clip, Apa expresses frustration over how the situation has affected his career prospects.

The two figures bear a striking physical resemblance and share identical tattoos, though Apa has previously stated in interviews that there is no actual connection between them.

Apa's frustration reached a breaking point following the release of Mr Fantasy's "Do Me Right" music video, which featured appearances from several of Apa's close friends and associates.

"Enough is enough. I won't sit back any longer and watch someone attempt to ruin my life and everything I have worked for," Apa wrote as the caption to his video.

In the footage, Apa elaborated on the situation: "There has been something going on for a long time that I haven't addressed because I didn't think it was even worth addressing, but now because of how it's impacting my life personally, I feel like I have to talk about it."

He went on to explain that the issue has begun to harm both his personal life and professional opportunities. "I don't usually do this, take things here to talk about, but I have to do it now because it's hurting me and my career," he said. "There was recently a music video that was released that included a bunch of people who are really close to me by a guy who's completely and utterly stolen my image and misappropriated my image and my likeness."

Apa claimed the situation has directly impacted his ability to land roles. "I just lost on a huge job and can no longer go in for serious work because people think that I'm a joke because of this guy," he stated. "I don't know what to do about it other than bring it here and do everything that I can to protect myself because it's completely disrespectful and completely wrong to do that."

He emphasized the severity of image theft as a broader issue: "If anyone out there thinks that it's okay to take someone's image, literal tattoos, and to use it for their own success is completely wrong. I can't just sit back and watch it happen and see my life, literally, everything that I've worked hard for now come to a halt because of this person."

Apa also called out the perceived hypocrisy, noting: "This person advocates for positivity and for kindness, and for all of the stuff. Look in the mirror, and tell yourself that you're not a liar and a thief, because that's exactly what you are."

The post garnered significant support from Apa's circle. Madelaine Petsch, who appeared in the Mr Fantasy music video, liked Apa's message. Fellow video participants Zoey Deutch and Patrick Schwarzenegger both left apologies in the comments section.

"Hi I am really sorry I agreed to do the music video with him. I had no idea it was affecting your life like this. I obviously won't engage anymore with him and just feel really bad about the whole thing. I hope you can accept my apology," Deutch wrote.

Schwarzenegger kept his comment brief: "I'm sorry man."

Taylor Lautner also weighed in, commenting, "I was a huge fan of his man but your right, this has to end." Alexandra Shipp, who is set to star alongside Apa in the upcoming film White Elephant, added: "I knew there was something off about him @kjapa I'm so sorry."

It's worth noting that observers have long understood Mr Fantasy to be an alter-ego created by Apa himself, with the public dispute appearing to be part of an ongoing creative project.

Mr Fantasy has announced that his debut album, Fantasyland, will arrive this summer.