Disputes between Hollywood celebrities and paparazzi are nothing new. Typically, issues arise when photographers capture and use images of stars without permission. However, in this case, the situation has reversed—Jennifer Lopez, the renowned singer and actress, is facing legal action for posting paparazzi-taken photos without authorisation.
According to a report by the BBC, photographer Edwin Blanco and the photo agency Backgrid have filed a lawsuit against Lopez, alleging that she used their copyrighted images on her social media platforms without permission.
The photos in question were taken in January this year, on the eve of the Golden Globe Awards. Lopez attended a party hosted by Amazon MGM Studios and Vanity Fair in Los Angeles. She was seen outside a hotel wearing a white outfit and a white faux fur coat. Several images from that moment were later posted by Lopez on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The pictures quickly circulated across fan pages and fashion-related platforms.
Citing legal representatives, it is reported that Backgrid and Blanco reached out to Lopez’s team in an attempt to negotiate a licensing agreement and agree on a usage fee. However, Lopez has yet to sign the contract.
This is not Lopez’s first encounter with such legal issues. In 2019 and 2020, she also faced legal challenges for sharing images taken by others without permission. Other celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Gigi Hadid have encountered similar copyright complications.
Backgrid and Blanco are now seeking $150,000 (approximately £118,000) for each image used. They argue that Lopez utilised the photos for promotional purposes—highlighting her clothing and jewellery designers, increasing user engagement, and enhancing her brand partnerships.
According to the lawsuit, “Ms Lopez’s unauthorised use of these photographs was for commercial gain and self-promotion.” It further states that copyright ownership of such images typically lies with the photographer or agency involved, and they alone have the right to determine how and where the photos are used. They also retain the authority to set the licensing fee.
Relevant Information:
Previous Similar Lawsuits:
| Celebrity | Year | Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Lopez | 2019, 2020 | Unauthorised sharing of photos |
| Dua Lipa | 2021 | Paparazzi copyright infringement |
| Gigi Hadid | 2019 | Copyright violation |
Under Copyright Law:
Even if a person appears in a photograph, they do not automatically own the rights to it. The copyright usually remains with the photographer or their agency, who control its distribution and usage. Failure to obtain permission can lead to legal consequences—even for celebrities.