The music industry and its fans are in mourning as famed director Diane Martel has sadly passed away. Martel was the person behind dozens of music videos, including those for artists such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Timberlake. She was 63 years old. Now, artists and fans are paying tribute.
Martel’s family announced the sad news to Rolling Stone that she passed away on September 18. The family said in a statement, “Diane passed away peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital – surrounded by friends and family – after a long battle with breast cancer.”
Artists and Fans are Paying Tribute to Martel
Martel leaves behind a massive legacy as one of the most recognizable music video directors. As a result, tributes are pouring in as people remember her legacy. One of the most notable came from pop and R&B singer Ciara. Notably, Martel directed multiple of her videos, including the hits “Promise” and “Ride.”
She wrote on Instagram, “You believed in me, and I believed in you! You will forever hold a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful for all the magic we’ve were able to make together. I know it was all God! Heaven has just gained an Angel. I love you so much @DianeMartel_ A.k.a. Miss D! Rest In Paradise.”
Beyoncé also paid tribute to her legacy. She wrote on her website, “Rest in peace, Diane Martel. You created at the highest level, with a provocative capacity. You challenged the conventional and delivered visual symphonies to us. We will miss you so much.”
Many fans on social media are also reacting. Someone on X said, “Diane Martel, director of Blurred Lines, We Can’t Stop, If I Ain’t Got You, and many more, has passed away at 63 after a battle with breast cancer. Her family says she died peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Her visuals pushed culture, challenged norms, and her work will live on. #RIPDianeMartel”
Someone else said, “Rest peacefully, Diane Martel. If you watched rap videos in the 90s, she got mentioned as much as Hype Williams or McG.”
She Leaves Behind a Huge Legacy
Martel got her start in directing with the 1992 PBS documentary “Reckin’ Shop: Live From Brooklyn.” From there, she helmed her first music video for the Onyz single “Throw Ya Gunz.” Later, she directed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas.”
Some of her other credits include Beyonce’s “Listen,” Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” and “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus.
