Creator Drama
RIPNDIP Faces Backlash Over Copyright Complaint Against Indie Artist
No new developments since Jul 9
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 7 events from Jun 26, 2026 to Jul 9, 2026, drawn from 4 sources.
“At RIPNDIP we deal with so much counterfeit and infringing IP across the internet that so much of our enforcement is automated,”
via dexerto.com
Background
RIPNDIP, a streetwear brand, has faced recurring allegations of using independent artists' work without proper credit or compensation. The brand's mascot, Lord Nermal, a white cat design, was originally created by artist Jayme Lemperle, who is reportedly no longer associated with the company under disputed circumstances. These historical accusations have fueled the current controversy, with many viewing the incident as a confirmation of past behavior.
The current dispute centers on a stylized cat design created by illustrator Tim, who is known online as Pigeonchild. Tim discovered that his design had been removed from the platform Redbubble following a copyright complaint filed by RIPNDIP. This action quickly drew widespread attention and criticism from the online community, with Tim's response to the situation gaining significant traction.
Streetwear brand RIPNDIP reportedly filed a copyright complaint against an independent artist known as Pigeonchild, allegedly leading to the removal of the artist's cat design from Redbubble. The artist's response to the takedown reportedly went viral, garnering millions of views and likes. [1], according to dexerto.com
RIPNDIP's mascot, Lord Nermal, was created by artist Jayme Lemperle. Lemperle is reportedly no longer associated with the brand, and the circumstances surrounding their departure have been a subject of dispute among those familiar with the company's early history. [1], according to dexerto.com
Multiple independent designers have previously accused RIPNDIP of using their work for mass production without providing credit.
The independent artist Tim, known as Pigeonchild, reportedly shared his experience after his design was allegedly removed due to RIPNDIP's complaint. His response reportedly gained significant attention online, accumulating 2.2 million views and 20,000 likes, rallying support from followers. [1], according to dexerto.com
The timeline
-
Pigeonchild's Artwork Removed from Redbubble
Following a reported copyright complaint filed by RIPNDIP, the independent artist Tim (Pigeonchild) reportedly discovered his stylized cat design had been removed from the Redbubble platform.[1]
-
Pigeonchild accused RIPNDIP of owning every stylized cat design
According to a post by @Pigeon_child_ on X, Pigeonchild said RIPNDIP thinks it owns every stylized cat design on the internet and told the brand 'FUCK YOU'.[2]
-
RIPNDIP Account Suspended and Reinstated
RIPNDIP's official X (formerly Twitter) account was reportedly temporarily suspended shortly after responding to the backlash with "Respect your elders." The account was reportedly reinstated on June 27, 2026., according to dexerto.com[1]
-
RIPNDIP Claims Copyright Complaint Was Automated Mistake
After facing public outrage, RIPNDIP reportedly shared an email addressed to Pigeonchild, stating that the copyright complaint was an "automated mistake" from their IP enforcement system, not a manual targeting of the artist's work.[1]
-
RIPNDIP Changes Profile Picture to Disputed Artwork
Upon returning to X after its reported account suspension, RIPNDIP reportedly changed its profile picture to Pigeonchild's disputed artwork and teased a new merchandise drop, appearing to profit from the controversy.[1]
-
Dexerto reported RIPNDIP filed copyright complaint over artist's cat design
According to a post by @Dexerto on X, Dexerto said RIPNDIP filed a copyright complaint over an independent artist's cat design, leading to its removal from Redbubble, and the artist responded 'You guys think you own every stylized cat design on the internet? F*** you'.[3]
-
Lonnie accused RIPNDIP of stealing art in TikTok video
According to a post by @lonniedos on TikTok, Lonnie said RIPNDIP was exposed for stealing art, using hashtags #drama #youtuber #ripndip #skateboarding #artistsoftiktok.[4]
Frequently asked
What is RIPNDIP accused of?
RIPNDIP is accused of filing a copyright complaint against an independent artist's cat design, leading to its removal from Redbubble. This has sparked accusations that the brand profits from smaller creators' work without credit or compensation, a pattern alleged to have occurred previously.
What was RIPNDIP's initial response?
Initially, RIPNDIP responded to the backlash on X (formerly Twitter) with the phrase "Respect your elders." They also changed their profile picture to the disputed artwork and teased merchandise related to the controversy before issuing an apology.
What is RIPNDIP's explanation for the copyright complaint?
RIPNDIP claims the copyright complaint was an "automated mistake" from their IP enforcement system.
Who is Pigeonchild?
Pigeonchild is the online alias of independent artist Tim, known for his stylized cat designs. He is the artist whose work was targeted by RIPNDIP's copyright complaint.
What is the history of allegations against RIPNDIP?
RIPNDIP has a history of accusations from multiple independent designers who claim the brand has used their work for mass production without providing credit or compensation. The brand's mascot, Lord Nermal, was created by artist Jayme Lemperle, who is no longer with the company under disputed circumstances.
More related drama (4)
Sources (4)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 7 dated events from 4 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “RIPNDIP Faces Backlash Over Copyright Complaint Against Indie Artist.”
GenZHype, 3 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/ripndip-faces-backlash-over-copyright-complaint-against-indie-artist/.