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Ariana Grande is suing Forever 21 for R150m for using her 'likeness' in a campaign – judge the pictures for yourself

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Ariana Grande. (Photo: Greatstock/Splash)
Ariana Grande. (Photo: Greatstock/Splash)

Cape Town – Ariana Grande is suing Forever 21 for $10 million (R 150 184 000).

E! News obtained court documents revealing a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the singer against Forever 21 and Riley Rose – a beauty brand started by Forever 21's founders' daughters.

The document states the company approached the 7 Rings singer for a possible endorsement deal, but an agreement was never reached. With Ariana Grande coming in second on Hopper HQ's Instagram Rich List 2019, charging $996 000 (R14 941 643) per post to her 163 million followers, the amounts the company "offered to pay for the right to use Ms. Grande's name and likeness were insufficient for an artist of her stature".

The singer is, therefore, suing the brands for false endorsement, trademark infringement and copyright infringement claiming they launched a "misleading campaign across its website and social media platforms" while "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 lawsuit also alleges the company further suggested the singer was endorsing the brand by posting photos of a "look-alike model" resembling Ariana in her videos – watch the video above to see the resemblance to Ariana in 7 rings.

A spokesperson for Forever 21 told E! News they can't comment on a pending lawsuit: "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."

Compiled by Bashiera Parker (Sources: E! News, Channel24).  

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