Avatar photo

By News24 Wire

Wire Service


Liam Hemsworth being sued R2m for posting picture of himself on Instagram

Splash News and Picture Agency is suing the star for allegedly posting a series of photographs of himself while filming the movie Isn't It Romantic, with the agency claiming copyright infringement.


Liam Hemsworth may have a lawsuit on his hands that could see him paying up to $150 000 – around R2 million!

According to court documents obtained by E! News, Splash News and Picture Agency is suing the Isn’t It Romantic star for allegedly posting a series of photographs of himself while filming the movie. A photo was posted on his Instagram account before it was then posted on his Instagram story, twice. They were taken by Janet Mayer but belonged to the agency. As a result, the agency is claiming copyright infringement.

The court document reads, “Plaintiff is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that defendant’s acts of copyright infringement, as alleged above, were willful, intentional, and malicious, which further subjects defendants to liability for statutory damages under Section 504(c)(2) of the Copyright Act in the sum of up to $150 000 per infringement. Within the time permitted by law, plaintiff will make its election between actual damages and statutory damages.”

This isn’t the first time a star is being sued for copyright infringement though. Earlier this year, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber were also sued for copyright infringement.

In the past, so too were Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande and Khloé Kardashian.

According to Variety, Xposure Photos also sued Khloé for an additional $25 000 (R 360 126) for the “unauthorized alteration or removal of copyright information” for digitally removing the agency’s credit.

– Channel24

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits