British different metallic band Sleep Token have come underneath scrutiny following allegations that they used an unlicensed reside {photograph} for official merchandise with out the photographer’s consent.
Photographer Laura Ioana V made the declare public by way of Instagram on December 19, stating {that a} picture she captured of Vessel, Sleep Token‘s masked frontman, was allegedly altered and used on commemorative merchandise bought on the band’s November 10, 2024 present in Frankfurt, Germany.
Based on Ioana, the picture in query was taken throughout Sleep Token‘s June 15, 2023 efficiency on the Copenhell pageant in Copenhagen, Denmark, whereas she was on an editorial task for {a magazine}.
In her put up, Ioana wrote: “This yr I came upon the picture I took in 2023 at @copenhell pageant (on an editorial task for {a magazine}) was used for merch in 2024, with out my permission. I’ve not signed any contract granting anybody the licensing rights to those images.”
She additional defined that regardless of a number of makes an attempt to contact the band and its representatives, she struggled to ascertain direct communication: “I’ve despatched emails myself and despatched numerous DMs on socials as properly however I have never been profitable in establishing a communication line with the band immediately.”
Ioana additionally alleged {that a} proposed settlement provided by somebody concerned with the merchandise was unfair, claiming she was labeled “aggressive” for pushing again towards it: “As a small creator it’s a bit disheartening whenever you do one thing with ardour and it will get stolen for revenue and dismissed like this… it appears to not be an remoted case.”
She concluded by asking followers to share her put up in hopes of reaching the band’s administration immediately.
Ioana later up to date her put up, noting that Future Historical past Administration, Sleep Token‘s administration firm, had reached out relating to the matter: “Administration lastly received involved so let’s examine what answer they should this.”
As of now, no public assertion has been issued by Sleep Token or their representatives addressing the particular declare.
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