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Jennifer Lopez is in legal hot waters because of her own image. The singer is currently facing copyright infringement claims after allegedly posting two paparazzi photographs of herself. She reportedly shared photos of herself outside a Golden Globe pre-party on her social media accounts without obtaining permission. Photographer Edwin Blanco and the licensing agency BackGrid USA filed the lawsuits in federal court.
The pair co-owns the images of Lopez taken on January 4, the night before the Golden Globe Awards. According to the plaintiffs, Lopez shared the photos on Instagram and X the following day for self-promotion. Her actions prompted reposts by fan accounts and fashion brands, including her faux fur coat designer. Lawyer Peter Perkowski, representing Blanco and BackGrid, contends that Lopez’s use of the images was commercial.
The attorney added that she intended to amplify her branding efforts by promoting fashion collaborations with the photos. The lawsuits reveal that Lopez’s team was contacted about the alleged infringement shortly after the posts. Discussions were also reportedly leading to an oral agreement for financial settlement. Per Billboard, the attorney claimed that Lopez did not follow through with a written agreement or payment.
The Jenny From the Block Singer Is One of Many to Experience a Similar Lawsuit
This case is not Lopez’s first encounter with copyright issues. In 2019, the actress was sued for sharing another unauthorized paparazzi photo of herself with her ex, Alex Rodriguez. Perkowski notes that Lopez should have been aware of the legal issues arising from the unauthorized use of copyrighted images. BackGrid and Blanco are pursuing substantial damages, possibly $150,000 for each photo used without consent.
While unusual, it is common for celebrities to get sued for posting paparazzi images of themselves. Various artists, including Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Justin Bieber, have encountered similar lawsuits in recent years. U.S. copyright law reportedly favors photographers and image licensors. The law emphasizes that celebrities do not have co-ownership of images depicting themselves. This means that they, therefore, lack the right to repost these images for free.
Internet Users React to Jennifer Lopez’s Latest Legal Debacle
The actress may not be only stunned by the plaintiff’s move. Internet users are also registering their bewilderment at the case. According to this X subscriber, “Paparazzi wanna stalk her and then charge her for it?? Only in America.” Another commenter declared that they would love to see how the press handles the case. This X subscriber condemned how copyright law “protects vultures, not victims.” They decried how the “Paparazzi stalk jlo, profit off her, then sue her for posting her own photo.”
A commenter noted that, despite not liking her, the paparazzi suing her for posting her picture is “crazy.” A fifth X user concluded that the plaintiffs must be in dire need of money to even pull that move. A commenter noted it is “ridiculous” for the paparazzi to harass celebrities and sue them for using their pictures. Another user highlights the absurdity of the media landscape, where someone may now have to buy their own pictures. An eighth commenter points to the pettiness of getting “sued” for using her image from a third party.
How will Jennifer Lopez react to this shocking lawsuit?
