Models Sue Brooklyn Nightclub in Charlotte Over Unauthorized Use of Images

Models Take Legal Action Against Brooklyn Nightclub in Charlotte

In a surprising turn of events in Charlotte, a group of eight professional models is making headlines as they take legal matters into their own hands. These talented individuals have filed a federal lawsuit against the Brooklyn Nightclub and Lounge located in Uptown Charlotte. Their claim? The nightclub allegedly used their images and likenesses without any permission or compensation.

The Lawsuit Details

The models—Danielle Ruiz, Janet Guzman, Keeley Rebecca Hazell, Mariana Davalos, Rosa Acosta, Stephanie Rao, Paola Cañas, and Jamillette Gaxiola—initiated the legal proceedings on Thursday. According to the lawsuit, they are seeking monetary damages from the owners of the Brooklyn Nightclub and Lounge. The legal document states, “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.” Pretty serious stuff!

The lawsuit reveals that this misappropriation of their images occurred without any of the models’ knowledge or consent, which surely raises eyebrows about the nightclub’s promotion tactics. In fact, the attorneys for the models provided specific examples where the nightclub used their photos in different promotional content. For instance, Keeley Rebecca Hazell, who rose to fame as Bex on Apple TV’s hit show “Ted Lasso,” was included in an advertisement for the club’s Latin night. Likewise, Rosa Acosta, known for her impressive social media following of 1.6 million on Instagram, found herself featured in a post for a foam party hosted by Brooklyn.

Response from the Nightclub

Unfortunately, it seems the models are yet to receive any response from the nightclub. An inquiry was made, but Brooklyn Lounge did not get back to any questions posed by local media. Even more concerning is that the nightclub has not issued any statement in court as of now. This could lead to some further complications for the establishment.

Expert Insights

To better understand the implications of this situation, we turned to nightclub expert Preston Rideout, who boasts over 30 years of experience in the bar and nightclub industry. Rideout emphasized that it is “under no circumstance ever appropriate for a restaurant, nightclub or bar to use the image or likeness of someone without their permission.” He stressed the importance of having solid agreements in place when it comes to using someone’s likeness in advertisements.

“There always needs to be an agreement in terms of advertising using someone’s likeness or image,” he said. “Otherwise, it’s misleading.” This assertion raises significant questions about the practices employed by nightlife venues nationwide, as Rideout noted that similar issues are becoming increasingly common across the country.

The Bigger Picture

This lawsuit not only sheds light on potential copyright and branding violations but also highlights a growing trend in the nightlife industry where businesses must tread carefully to avoid disputes surrounding the use of images. The implications could ripple not only through Uptown Charlotte but also set a precedent for other establishments in the hospitality sector.

Looking Ahead

It remains to be seen how Brooklyn Nightclub will respond moving forward, particularly as the legal process moves along. For fans of these talented models and observers of the nightlife scene, this intriguing case serves as a reminder to always respect the creative rights of individuals. After all, there’s no doubt that everyone deserves fair treatment and recognition for their hard work.

As the story unfolds, many will be keeping an eye on the proceedings, hoping for a resolution that aligns with the best practices and ethics in the industry. Stay tuned for updates on what happens next in this unusual lawsuit!