A commercial photographer has sued Kendall and Kylie Jenner over the use of two of his images of late rapper Tupac Shakur that were used on T-shirts the sisters briefly sold for $US125 ($A164) apiece.
Michael Miller sued the Jenner sisters in a Los Angeles federal court for copyright infringement over the “vintage” T-shirts that featured their likeness or designs superimposed over photos of famous musicians. Miller’s suit states the Jenners never sought permission to use his photos.
The sisters’ brand Kendall + Kylie stopped selling the shirts last month after Ozzy Osbourne’s wife and the mother of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G, criticised them.
Biggie Smalls’ mother, Voletta Wallace, was deeply offended, voicing her disappointment on Instagram.
“I am not sure who told @kyliejenner and @kendalljenner that they had the right to do this. The disrespect of these girls to not even reach out to me or anyone connected to the estate baffles me. I have no idea why they feel they can exploit the deaths of 2pac and my Son Christopher to sell a t-shirt. This is disrespectful, disgusting, and exploitation at its worst!!!”
Julian K Petty, a lawyer for the estate of Biggie Smalls, served a cease-and-desist letter to the Jenners.
According to TMZ, he wrote:“This is misappropriation at its finest. I’m curious to hear the justification. I’m even more curious to hear the proposed resolution.”
Fans were also quick to criticise the sisters for the designs, with one writing, “these artists are icons and you plastered your narcissistic faces on them in an attempt to rip off your fans”.
Emails sent to the Jenners’ publicists were not immediately returned Friday.
Miller is seeking at least $US150,000 apiece for the use of his photos.
– With AAP