News : KJ Apa Calls Mr. Fantasy A “Liar And Thief” Over Image Dispute

KJ Apa has publicly accused his rumoured musical alter ego Mr. Fantasy of copying his appearance and damaging his reputation.

Ever since the mysterious TikTok artist emerged last year, fans have speculated that Mr. Fantasy was secretly the Riverdale actor because of their similar looks, including matching tattoos and facial features.

But on Wednesday, Apa surprised fans by posting an Instagram video in which he claimed Mr. Fantasy had stolen his image and turned his career into a joke.

Speaking directly about the rumours for the first time, the New Zealand born star said, "I have to (talk about) it now because it's hurting me, and my career, and there was recently a music video that was released that included a bunch of people who were really close to me by a guy who's completely and utterly stolen my image and misappropriated my image and my likeness. And I think we all know who we're talking about."

Mr. Fantasy, known for his black bob wig, oversized sunglasses, fake teeth and eccentric fashion choices, recently released the music video for Do Me Right. The clip included appearances from Apa’s former Riverdale co stars Camila Mendes, Lili Reinhart and Madelaine Petsch. Other celebrity cameos included Dave Franco, Nick Jonas, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sombr and Zoey Deutch.

Apa went on to say, "It's fked up because 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. And 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 fking disrespectful and completely wrong to do that."

The 28 year old actor continued by saying it was unfair for someone to take another person’s image and use it for personal gain.

"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 fking idiot," he stated. "Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you're not a fking liar and a thief because that's exactly what you are."

In the comments section of the post, Zoey Deutch responded by apologising for appearing in the Do Me Right video, writing, "I had no idea it was affecting your life like this."

Mr. Fantasy, who performs using a British accent, has not publicly addressed Apa’s claims. However, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, the musician said he was “not bothered” by rumours suggesting he was secretly Apa.