Diane Martel, acclaimed video director and choreorgapher, has passed away. She was 63.
Martel’s family confimed her passing in a statement a statement obtained by Rolling Stone on Thursday (Sept. 18).
“Diane passed away peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital – surrounded by friends and family – after a long battle with breast cancer,” relayed her family. She is survived by her Aunt, Gail Merrifield Papp (wife of Joseph Papp, founder of The Public Theatre), her three beloved, loyal cats (Poki, PopPop, PomPom), and many loving lifetime friends.”
On Instagram, Ciara paid tribute to Martel.
“You believed in me and I believed in you! You will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Ciara wrote. “I am forever grateful for all the magic we’ve were able to make together.”
Vanessa Bryant also paid tribute to Martel on IG.
“Dinner with my Nani and @dianemartel_ or as my husband used to call her… D-Z Marteezy 😘❤️,” Bryant wrote. “It was so good to see you D.!!! You’re so talented. All your fav videos were created by “Bucky Chrome.”
Born on May 7, 1962, in New York, Martel left high school to pursue involved performing arts. She worked as a dancer and choreographer. In 1992, she directed the PBS documentary Reckin’ Shop: Live From Brooklyn, launching her career as filmaker. Her first she directed was “Throw Ya Gunz” by Onyz.
She went on to work with an impressive roster of artists, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Miley Cyrus. Some of her most well-known videos include “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, “Blurred Lines” for Robin Thicke featuring Pharreell Williams and T.I.
In 2005, she earned a Best Direction nomination at the MTV VMAs for her work on Jennifer Lopez’s “Get Right” music video.
For more than 30 years, Martel visuals were often provocative blending elements of dance, fashion, and pop culture.
“I do have to admit I like being provocative. That’s punk, that’s rock & roll, that’s hip-hop,” she told Rolling Stone. “It’s passionate. We’re not doing pharmaceutical ads.”