Now Playing

Ariana Grande files $10 million lawsuit against Forever 21 over 'look-alike model'

4 September 2019, 13:00

By Nicky Idika

A lawsuit filed by Ariana Grande this week alleges that Forever 21 misappropriated her "name, image, likeness, and music in order to create the false perception of her endorsement".

Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit against popular fast fashion brand Forever 21. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer launched the suit this week, claiming that Forever 21 and shared videos and images that appropriated her likeness during an F21 campaign launched earlier this year on their site and social media.

Ariana and Forever 21 were reportedly in negotiations to collaborate on an endorsement deal, however, these talks fell apart when the singer's camp rejected the amount of money being offered.

According to the lawsuit, "the amounts that Forever 21 offered to pay for the right to use Ms Grande's name and likeness were insufficient for an artist of her stature".

Shoppers walk past a branch of Forever 21 store in central... Picture: Getty

"The campaign capitalized on the concurrent success of Ms. Grande’s album thank u, next by publishing at least 30 unauthorized images and videos misappropriating Ms. Grande’s name, image, likeness, and music in order to create the false perception of her endorsement," the suit further alleges.

The lawsuit also claims that Forever 21 used a model who looked "strikingly similar" to Ariana in order to promote its products.

Ariana Grande sues Forever 21 for $10 million over lookalike social media campaign. Picture: Universal Screenshot/Forever 21 Instagram

Ariana is seeking $10 million in damages from the lawsuit, which you can here read in full.

In a statement, Forever 21 said:

“Forever 21 does not comment on pending litigation as per company policy. That said, while we dispute the allegations, we are huge supporters of Ariana Grande and have worked with her licensing company over the past two years. We are hopeful that we will find a mutually agreeable resolution and can continue to work together in the future.”

Meanwhile, Forever 21 may soon file for bankruptcy, according to recent reports.

Ariana Grande is currently on the European leg of her Sweetener Tour and has not publicly commented on the litigation.