Drake, Taylor Swift, and “Despacito” videos defaced in Vevo hack

Luis Fonsi’s video was replaced with footage of a masked gang holding guns.

April 10, 2018
Drake, Taylor Swift, and “Despacito” videos defaced in Vevo hack A screenshot of the defaced "Despacito" video.   YouTube

A number of music videos, including Luis Fonsi's "Despacito," have been removed from YouTube after an apparent hack. Videos from Drake, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift were also "defaced" by hackers who obtained access to multiple VEVO accounts.

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"Despacito," the most-viewed YouTube video of all time, was reportedly "altered and replaced with a masked gang holding guns." Hackers calling themselves Prosox and Kuroi’sh have claimed credit for the attack. Other artists affected included Chris Brown, Shakira, DJ Snake, Selena Gomez.

A spokesperson for YouTube told The FADER, “After seeing unusual upload activity on a handful of VEVO channels, we worked quickly with our partner to disable access while they investigate the issue.”

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Meanwhile, a VEVO spokesperson added: “Vevo can confirm that a number of videos in its catalogue were subject to a security breach today, which has now been contained. We are working to reinstate all videos affected and our catalogue to be restored to full working order. We are continuing to investigate the source of the breach.”

Drake, Taylor Swift, and “Despacito” videos defaced in Vevo hack