JAY-Z Files Lawsuit Against Hip-Hop Photographer Jonathan Mannion in Likeness Argument

JAY-Z Jonathan Mannion was sued in a lawsuit over the use of his appearance in photographs sold and used by the hip-hop photographer, as TMZ the reports and Pitchfork will be confirmed through court documents. The rapper accused Mannion, who shot the iconic cover of his debut album Reasonable Doubt, to “take advantage” of his name and image “no [his] permission. ”He is seeking an order requiring Mannion and his camp to stop using his name and likeness, as well as“ compensation for damages, consequential damages, lost income, and / or resentment of Mannion’s income, “among other damages.

The complaint, filed today (June 15) in California federal court, reads: “Mannion’s use of JAY-Z’s name, resemblance, identity, and persona in the past, and in violation of the right to privacy and publicity of JAY-Z, and his exclusive right to prevent the use and exploitation of his name, likeness, identity, and person. ”The lawsuit accuses Mannion of thus violating section 3344 of the California Civil Code, as well as JAY-Z’s general privacy rights.

Arriving at Pitchfork, lawyers for JAY-Z did not comment. A legal representative for Jonathan Mannion offered the following statement to Pitchfork:

Mr. Mannion has been creating iconic images of Mr. Carter for many years, and is proud that these images have helped define the artist Jay-Z is today. Mr. Mannion has the utmost respect for Mr. Carter and his body of work, and it is expected that Mr. Carter will also respect the rights of artists and creators who have helped him reach the heights to which he has risen.

We are confident that First Amendment protects Mr. Mannion’s right to sell fine art copies of his copyrighted works, and to investigate the complaint and respond in a timely manner.