With stores like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters carrying numerous pieces with celebs’ likenesses on them these days, I’ve always wondered how much the subject actually makes from those products…And it turns out, sometimes it’s absolutely nothing.
Rihanna has just slapped British retailer, Topshop, with a $5 million lawsuit for continuing to use her likeness on clothing, without her permission. Supposedly, Miss Fenty’s camp attempted to settle with the company, but it seemed as if they couldn’t care less.
Via Page Six:
“Rihanna’s management asked Topshop a number of times to stop selling her image and were told, ‘We do what we want.’ They buy the pictures from a photographer, but they do not pay the artist licensing fees. Unfortunately, UK law does not protect the artist.
“What is most offensive for Rihanna is that they basically told her, ‘Go to hell. We don’t care; we are going to continue selling you.’ Topshop is now in the United States. They set up in Manhattan and Nordstrom, but they know better than to do this in the US because they would get in trouble,” our source continued.
“Even though the UK laws don’t protect the artist, she has decided to move forward and sue Topshop. She has spent almost $1 million in litigation at this point. She says it’s the principle, and wants to make a statement about it. They are taking advantage of artists. It is just exploitation. What they are doing is wrong.”
Don’t mess with RiRi’s royalties!
-
Trey Songz Is Officially Off The Hook After Alleged Currency Assault In NYC
-
Money in the Bank? NOT! Judge Orders Garnishment of Lil’ Scrappy’s Love & Hip Hop Checks
-
Chris Brown’s Bodyguard Files Lawsuit Against Drake After Suffering Disfiguring Injuries
-
Kandi Burruss Finally Sues Kim Zolciak Over Her Use Of ‘Tardy For The Party’
-
Mary J. Blige Hit With 900K Tax Lien
