Jennifer Lopez is facing a $300,000 lawsuit for posting two copyrighted photos of herself on social media without proper licensing. The legal action was filed by celebrity photographer Edwin Blanco and the photo agency Backgrid USA, who claim ownership of the images. The photos in question were taken at a pre-Golden Globes event in January 2025 and later shared by Lopez on her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. According to the plaintiffs, the posts were used to promote her outfit and brand partnerships, which qualifies as commercial use.
Under U.S. copyright law, photographers typically hold the rights to their images, even if the subjects are celebrities. Lopez’s team reportedly did not request or obtain permission to use the images, which, in the eyes of the law, constitutes copyright infringement. This case highlights the ongoing tension between celebrities, who often assume they can freely share images of themselves, and photographers or agencies who earn a living from licensing their work.
The $300,000 sought in damages reflects both the value of the photos and the alleged unauthorized commercial benefit derived from them. Legal experts note that claims of “fair use” are weakened when photos are used in promotional contexts, as appears to be the case here.
Lopez has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Her legal team has until mid-June 2025 to respond. The case could set a precedent for how celebrities use copyrighted images on social media, especially when such posts are tied to endorsements or branding.
