Hey everyone!
As some of you may or may know, Vampire Weekend was sued for $2 million last week by a model named Ann Kirsten Kennis. Ann claims in the lawsuit that the band used her image without permission on the cover of their album, Contra which was released earlier this year. Vampire Weekend's record label, XL Recordings issued a statement stating that they were authorized to use the picture on the cover of the album:
"Vampire Weekend and XL Recordings licensed the rights to use the photo on the cover of Contra pursuant to a license agreement that contains representations and warranties authorizing this use of the photo. We look forward to having the matter resolved in court."
The photo in question was taken in 1983, when Ann was a model with various high level fashion agencies in New York City. In her written complaint, Ann claims that her signature was forged on a photographic release statement that the band obtained from the photographer, Tod Brody. The photographer made a statement to Entertainment Weekly disputing Ann's claims:
"Ms. Kennis' claim that I didn't take the photo is blatantly false. I took the photo in 1983. The photo was in my possession the entire time, for 26 years, until it was delivered to Vampire Weekend."
Contra was a big success upon its release in January, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and the cover image immediately became iconic, which featured the woman photographed against a bare wall wearing a white monogrammed polo shirt, making the image very mysterious. Frontman Ezra Koenig and bassist Chris Baio were asked about the woman in previous interviews, claiming that they don't know her and haven't met her personally, but liked the image and decided to use it because they found it to be "very striking."
What do you make of this lawsuit? Do you think Ann has an actual case against the band or do you think she's simply trying to get some money out of the group? Leave your comments here on the blog about this story and let's talk about it!
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