Jennifer Lopez is once again at the center of legal controversy—this time for something as seemingly innocent as posting pictures of herself online. The pop icon and actress is being sued by a photographer and media agency for allegedly violating copyright laws by sharing paparazzi photos without proper licensing.
Paparazzi Pics Spark Legal Drama for J.Lo
The dispute focuses on photos taken of Lopez outside a Golden Globe pre-party on January 4, 2025, at the famed Bar Marmont in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by Amazon MGM Studios and Vanity Fair, saw Lopez among the A-listers in attendance. The next day, she reportedly uploaded images from the evening to her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts—without obtaining permission from the copyright holders.
BackGrid and Photographer Edwin Blanco File Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on May 17, 2025, names both celebrity photo agency BackGrid USA and photographer Edwin Blanco as plaintiffs. They claim they jointly own the rights to the images Lopez shared and that her online posts violated federal copyright law.
Photos Allegedly Shared Without Licensing or Credit
According to the legal complaint, the unlicensed photos began to circulate widely after Lopez posted them, appearing on fan pages and commercial accounts, particularly fashion brands capitalizing on her look from the evening. The plaintiffs argue this distribution further infringed on their rights and caused financial harm.
Talks of Settlement Went Nowhere, Say Attorneys
The lawsuit states that legal representatives for Blanco and BackGrid contacted Lopez’s team shortly after the alleged infringement. While early conversations appeared promising and led to a verbal agreement on a settlement, Lopez’s camp allegedly never signed a formal deal or made any payments.
Potential Damages Could Reach $300,000
Under U.S. copyright law, statutory damages for willful infringement can reach up to $150,000 per image. Given that Lopez shared two images, she could face penalties of up to $300,000, if the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs.
Not Lopez’s First Run-In with Copyright Law
This isn’t the first time the multi-hyphenate entertainer has faced such a lawsuit. In 2019, she was previously sued over posting a paparazzi photo featuring herself and her then-fiancé Alex Rodriguez. That case, handled by the same attorney, Peter Perkowski, ended in a voluntary dismissal the following year.
Attorney Argues Celebrities Are Not Above Copyright Law
Perkowski, who represents both Blanco and BackGrid in the current case, emphasized the broader issue: public figures often assume they can use paparazzi photos of themselves without consequence. But, as he explained, “Copyright belongs to the creator—even if the subject of the image is the one posting it.”
The Ongoing Battle Between Celebrities and Paparazzi Rights
The case underscores a growing tension in the digital age: celebrities want control over their public image, while photographers and agencies seek to protect their commercial rights. The rise of social media has only complicated this relationship, making copyright law a frequent battleground.
Fans React, But the Legal Stakes Remain
While Lopez’s fans continue to support her online, legal experts caution that these kinds of cases are rarely about public opinion. If Lopez loses, it could set a precedent that forces other high-profile figures to think twice before sharing paparazzi content.
No Official Comment from J.Lo’s Team Yet
As of now, Jennifer Lopez’s team has not issued a public response regarding the lawsuit. Meanwhile, legal proceedings are expected to move forward in federal court in the coming months.
