8 Models, Actresses Sue Charlotte Nightclub for Using Photos on Ads

Eight professional models are suing the Brooklyn Nightclub and Lounge in Uptown Charlotte after claiming the nightclub used their images, photos and likenesses without authorization and compensation.
"D..., J..., K..., M..., R..., S..., P... and J..." filed the federal lawsuit Thursday. They are seeking monetary damages from the owners of Brooklyn Nightclub and Lounge.
“Each of the Plaintiffs’ images was misappropriated and intentionally altered by Defendants to make it appear that they worked at, endorsed, or were otherwise associated with Defendants,” the lawsuit says. “This misappropriation occurred without any Plaintiffs’ knowledge, consent or authorization.”
Attorneys for the models submitted examples of posts made by Brooklyn with their photos. "H", who played on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, was included on an advertisement for Brooklyn Lounge’s Latin night, according to the lawsuit. "A", a model with 1.6 million Instagram followers, was featured on a post advertising a foam party.
“Under no circumstance is it ever appropriate for a restaurant, nightclub or bar to use the image or likeness of someone without their permission,” nightclub expert Preston Rideout said.
Rideout has more than 30 years of experience in the nightclub and bar industry. He says when it comes to promotions, it is important for clubs to enter into contracts with the people on the ads.“There always needs to be an agreement in terms of advertising using someone’s likeness or image,” he said. “Otherwise it’s misleading.”Rideout says he’s seeing this issue pop up more and more in bars and clubs across the country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Preston Rideout
Preston Rideout is CEO of Rideout Hospitality and Founder of the Dram Shop Experts. He is a nightclub and bar consultant specializing in hospitality litigation.
Copyright Dram Shop Experts
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.