Annie Leibovitz Sues Observer Media Over Unauthorized Use of Bieber Wedding Photo

Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in Manhattan federal court against Observer Media, the owner of Observer.com. The complaint alleges that the outlet reproduced Leibovitz’s 2019 Vogue portrait of newlyweds Justin and Hailey Bieber—showing the couple in matching Dolce and Gabbana polka-dot outfits—without a license. Leibovitz and her licensing agency claim the photo was still displayed on Observer.com as of July 16, despite a May 24, 2024 cease-and-desist letter demanding its removal. The suit seeks disgorgement of profits and up to $150,000 in damages for each “unauthorized exploitation.”

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The image was originally published in Vogue in 2019 and later used by Observer.com in a 2020 story titled “Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber Waited Until Marriage to Live Together.” Observer Media, formerly The New York Observer and once owned by Jared Kushner, has not responded to requests for comment. Leibovitz, 76, is renowned for portraits of figures such as John Lennon, Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, and Queen Elizabeth.

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Leibovitz’s filing characterizes the alleged infringement as “willful, intentional and malicious,” asserting that the continued online presence of the photo harms her business and warrants substantial damages. Observer Media has not issued a public response, and attempts by reporters to reach a company representative were unsuccessful.

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• “willful, intentional and malicious.” — lawsuit filing

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• “Leibovitz is a world-renowned photographer acclaimed for capturing celebrity portraits with profound intimacy and insight, including the likes of John Lennon, Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Queen Elizabeth, and many more,” — lawsuit filing

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• “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer substantial damages to their business in an amount to be established at trial.” — lawsuit filing

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• “Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber Waited Until Marriage to Live Together,” — Observer.com article title

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