Ariana Grande gives no f*cks that Forever 21 is on its last limb!
Ariana Grande has just filed a lawsuit against the struggling retail brand Forever 21.
Grande claims at least $10 million in damages after the fashion retailer allegedly hired a look-alike model for a social media campaign.
According to the complaint filed in California federal court, the retail company contacted Grande’s representatives in anticipation of her latest album, thank u, next.
Mostly, for the purpose of an endorsement deal.
To get around this, Grande’s team said Forever 21 launched an “unauthorized marketing campaign” using the singer’s photos and “falsely suggested” her participation by hiring a model who bore a striking resemblance to the “Thank U, Next” vocalist.
“Notably, the endorsement deal Forever 21 sought with Ms. Grande centered around social media marketing, including, but not limited to, Twitter posts, Instagram posts, and Instagram stories,” states the complaint.
Grande’s team referenced images from the Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” video posted to Forever 21’s Instagram.
Rather than paying Grande what she was owed, her lawyers said Forever 21,
“simply stole it by launching a misleading campaign across its website and social media platforms primarily in January and February 2019.”
Highlighting on the success of Grande’s then newly released album.
[Update]
Grande filed the lawsuit on September 3rd, and on September 29th, the fast-fashion retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The law states that a bankruptcy causes any pending lawsuits to be halted until decisions are made in the Chapter 11 case.
In late 2018 and early 2019, Grande and Forever 21 attempted to negotiate a deal. However, she decided not to proceed as they were unwilling to pay the appropriate amount for a celebrity of her stature.
In the lawsuit, Grande’s team claimed that Forever 21 and Riley Rose, a beauty company linked to Forever 21, used her name, likeness, and intellectual property without permission to promote their brands for free. Now, Grande is suing for $10.6 million in damages.
Have any thoughts on this story? Do you think Ariana Grande and her team are being a bit dramatic? Or do you think they’re in the right?
In short, leave your comments down below!
Lastly, be sure to keep visiting the Hypefresh site for more news on the culture!
Featured Image Credit: NME
