Die Antwoord have spoken out about the withdrawal of a music video teaser over copyright claims by a South African artist.

Jane Alexander's sculpture "Butcher Boys" is allegedly referenced in the video promoting their upcoming album TEN$ION, and legal representation for Alexander requested that the image be removed. Die Antwoord have subsequently removed the video.

But Ninja has downplayed the incident, saying that Alexander and Die Antwoord have been mutual fans for several years, and that they were happy to take the video down after Alexander requested it.

A Cape Times report quotes the rapper as saying: "Jane is one of our favourite artists in the world. Our reference to Jane’s 'Butcher Boys' sculpture was a homage to one of our favourite SA icons.

"These beautiful sculptures are one of the few South African artworks we are truly proud to be associated with. We were a little taken back when Jane said she didn’t like it that we referenced her work in our little video sting. Jane has always loved all the art we made prior to this.

"We immediately removed the video sting off our website and off our YouTube channel when Jane said she wasn’t happy with it.

“We have a huge respect for Jane and regard the Butcher Boys as one of the most beautiful sculptures of all time. I have seen the three Butcher Boys characters used many times in different South African theatrical plays, and also referenced in artworks by other South African artists, as they are such strong and immediately identifiable South African icons.”