Kanye West has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by celebrity photo management companies Backgrid USA and Backgrid London.
Law360 reported that West is accused of using at least 10 photos of the rapper and his wife, Bianca Censori, from Backgrid USA and Backgrid London on his Instagram account and Yeezy website without the companies’ consent.
In one photo, the “Donda” rapper is pictured wearing a sleek all-black outfit, with his gaze cast downward. Meanwhile, Censori can be seen walking by in a nude outfit, holding a bright purple pillow.
In another photo, the couple were seen entering the Nuova Arena Restaurant in Milan in February.
Another image shows West entering a Balenciaga store, ready to take Censori shopping.
Some of the images were reportedly shared on West’s Instagram page, while others appeared on his Instagram stories.
According to Backgrid, the controversial rapper is accused of sharing, distributing, and using these images on his personal Instagram page and Yeezy website without permission, violating the company’s copyright, AllHipHop reported.
The legal complaint alleges that West used the photos illegally, for monetary gain, and to promote his social media activity.
After attempting to resolve the dispute through mediation, Backgrid now wants to be paid and is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief.
In all, Backgrid wants a minimum of $1.5 million from West, whose net worth is estimated at $400 million, according to Forbes.
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The new lawsuit is just one of many controversies West has faced in recent years.
Throughout his career, West has faced numerous lawsuits accusing him of using copyrighted music without permission.
Earlier this year, a lawsuit was also filed against the “All of the Lights” rapper for allegedly creating a hostile work environment and failing to pay his employees. The lawsuit involves eight former Yeezy employees and several minors.
West is also facing charges of sexual harassment, breach of contract and wrongful termination brought by a former assistant who worked under him for two years.
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