RipNDip
Streetwear brand RIPNDIP is facing a fresh wave of public outrage after filing a copyright complaint against an independent artist’s cat design, with the incident sparking accusations that the brand has built its reputation by taking from smaller creators without credit or compensation.
The artist at the center of the dispute is illustrator Tim, known online as Pigeonchild, who discovered his stylized cat design had been removed from Redbubble following a complaint filed by RIPNDIP on June 26, 2026. His response went viral instantly, racking up 2.2 million views and 20,000 likes as followers rallied behind him.
RIPNDIP’s official account replied simply: “Respect your elders.” The account was suspended shortly afterward before being reinstated on June 27.
RIPNDIP has a history of allegations
For many online, the incident was less of a surprise and more of a confirmation.
RIPNDIP’s mascot, Lord Nermal, the white cat design central to the brand’s identity, was created by artist Jayme Lemperle, who is no longer associated with the brand under circumstances that have long been disputed by those close to the company’s early days.
Respect your elders. https://t.co/VfzEgEvKKx
— RIPNDIP (@RIPNDIP) June 27, 2026
Multiple independent designers have also previously accused the company of using their work for mass production without credit.
The brand’s response to the backlash has only made things worse. Upon returning to X, RIPNDIP changed its profile picture to Tim’s disputed artwork and immediately teased a new limited merchandise drop, appearing to profit directly from the controversy it created.
Dexerto has contacted Pigeonchild for comment.
It is not the first time a brand has sparked public outrage for going after independent artists. In 2022, Riot Games apologized after issuing a takedown against a small artist whose work had nothing to do with their intellectual property, though the response from the community was far more forgiving given the swift apology.
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