Prominent rock musician Ozzy Osbourne now faces a lawsuit related to photographs of himself posted on social media platforms.
The lsuit was initiated by photographer Neil Zlozower, who claims that images he took were shared without permission or proper compensation. According to the filing, Ozzy—or members of his management team—posted several photos on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The images include shots of Ozzy with Zakk Wylde and a photograph of him embracing the late Randy Rhoads. Zlozower alleges that he reached out to Ozzy and his representatives multiple times last year regarding the use of these images, but received no response. This lack of communication, he contends, forced him to seek judicial intervention for what he describes as infringing activity.
The filing emphasizes that Ozzy’s social media accounts, which have millions of followers across various platforms, are integral to his lucrative commercial enterprise. The lawsuit asserts that unauthorized use of the photos has generated significant financial benefits for the defendant. It remains unclear whether Ozzy or his team have responded to the lawsuit. This legal action comes at a notable time for the heavy metal icon, who recently announced his final live performance due to mobility issues, with a concert scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Lawsuits over unauthorized photo usage have become a common occurrence in the entertainment industry. Celebrities often share images on social media that feature professional photographs taken by third parties, and these images are sometimes posted without obtaining the necessary permissions. This practice can lead to legal disputes, as photographers and other rights holders argue that the unauthorized use of their work violates copyright laws and undermines their ability to control the distribution of their images. In many cases, the financial benefits that celebrities derive from their online presence amplify the perceived value of the photos, prompting rights holders to seek compensation through legal channels.
Lead image by Aznplayer213 and Pbrks, used under Creative Commons 1.0.
