Jay-Z is suing the photographer behind his iconic “Reasonable Doubt” album cover for continuing to make money off of the photo 25 years later.
Hov filed a suit against Jonathan Mannion and his company, Jonathan Mannion Photography LLC, alleging that the cameraman exploits his name and image without proper consent. In lawsuit documents obtained by TMZ, Mannion is accused of having the rapper’s name and likeness across his business website, including Jay’s photo on the landing page. He also sells pictures of his former client for thousands of dollars.
The Roc Nation founder says that he never permitted Mannion to use his image and has asked him to stop using his image. However, Mannion shot back at Hov’s request with a demand for millions of dollars if he wanted him to discontinue using the pictures. The docs say that Mannion is making an “arrogant assumption” that he can use them as he wishes just because he shot the photographs.
Jay hired Mannion in 1996 to shoot the cover for his critically acclaimed debut album “Reasonable Doubt.” Jay says Mannion took hundreds of photos for the cover and was compensated well by Roc-A-Fella Record.
Hov is seeking any profits made from the use of his images and wants a judge to order Mannion to cease all use of the photos.
In a statement to TMZ, a representative for Mannion said that they are confident that the photographer is protected by the First Amendment and has the right to sell prints of his copyrighted work.
“Mr. Mannion has created iconic images of Mr. Carter over the years and is proud that these images have helped to define the artist that Jay-Z is today.”
The rep added that Mannion has the “utmost respect” for Jay and expects that he would return that respect to Mannion, who is one of many creators that “helped him achieve the heights to which he has ascended.”
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