Dua Lipa has been accused of posting a photo of herself on social media “without permission or authorization” from the owner of the photo.
New York-based Integral Images Inc. filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the pop star in California on July 6, alleging that Lipa “improperly and illegally” posted the image on her Instagram in early February 2019.
The company alleged that Lipa “takes an active and pervasive role in the content” on her Instagram, which it said is “monetized in that it contains content designed to accumulate followers who are directed to, via link and/or advertisement, consume and purchase [Lipa]’s content.”
The photo in question shows Lipa inside an airport wearing an oversize hat. “I'll be living under big fluffy hats until further notice,” she captioned the pic.
Integral Images Inc. is seeking at least $150,000 U.S. as well as a court order preventing any further copyright infringements.
Reps for Lipa have not responded to the lawsuit and none of the claims have been proven in a court.
Photographers and syndication agencies have previously filed complaints against stars like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber for using their photos on social media without securing the rights. The claim against Lopez was withdrawn and both Grande and Bieber settled their cases.
Earlier this year, paparazzo Darryl Wilkins sued singer-actress Hilary Duff, alleging that she defamed him by posting video in which she asked him to stop taking pictures at her son’s game. Wilkins claimed Duff falsely accused him of “reprehensible and despicable conduct including by innuendo that he was a child predator.”
Disclosure: The author of this article is also a photographer whose images are syndicated globally by a photo agency.