Full Breakdown
Model Sues Victoria’s Secret Over Facial Use in Instagram Perfume Ad
By Drooid · · How we work
Model Sues Victoria’s Secret Over Facial Use
The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles, claiming breach of contract, misappropriation of likeness under California’s right-of-publicity statute, and common-law infringement.
Contract Terms and Alleged Breach
Roper’s agency, Closeup Models Agency, booked her for the shoot on April 3, paying $1,000 for four hours plus a 20 % agency fee. The deal memo checked off hands, legs, lips, and torso while leaving “Face” and “Eyes” unchecked. After the ad went live, agency representative Claire Applewood warned that Roper had become “fully recognizable” and demanded an additional talent fee of $2,500 plus a 20 % commission. The company removed the video but, according to the complaint, did not pay the requested amount.
Legal Claims and Potential Value
Roper’s Beverly Hills-based attorney Perry Wander argues that the recognizable facial exposure carries separate commercial value from the body-parts work she performed. He estimates the dispute could have been settled for approximately $3,000—the $2,500 extra fee plus a $500 agency commission—but suggests the case may ultimately involve six-figure damages once discovery is complete.
Official Statements & Responses
Victoria’s Secret has not responded to the lawsuit’s allegations. The complaint notes that the campaign’s deal memo includes an arbitration provision that would require certain disputes to be heard in New York, indicating a possible procedural battle over venue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Victoria’s Secret could have resolved the dispute for approximately $3,000,” — Perry Wander — Perry Wander (lawyer for Sydney Roper)