Former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez has taken legal action against a mobile gaming company after they allegedly used her likeness for the “Clothes Forever — Styling Game” app. According to Variety, the 27-year-old songstress argued in the lawsuit that she never gave the Guangzhou Feidong Software Technology Co. permission to use her name or image for profit, or in any regard, and has sued them for $10 million.
For those who missed it, the game charges users for “diamonds” so they can go on virtual shopping trips with their favorite Hollywood stars, like Selena. The Wizards of Waverly Place alum alleged that one of the characters in the game was based on her and, according to the suit, she believed that it threatened her reputation since the mobile app is “bug-riddled” and received poor reviews from users.
“Selena Gomez’s career as a model, actress, musician, and entrepreneur has made Selena a household name. Forgame, Mutanbox and these other fly-by-night videogame developers have attempted to profit off of Selena’s signature look by misappropriating her likeness and inviting players to style’ Selena without her consent,” the actress’ lawyer told E! News in a statement. “Selena Gomez is a style icon. This is an egregious violation of Selena’s rights, which we will litigate vigorously to vindicate.”
Furthermore, the lawsuit claimed that Selena was never “requested, consulted, or informed” by the company before they used any of her “publicity rights” in the game. It also stated that throughout her years in the spotlight, the “Lose You To Love Me” singer has “carefully curated all endorsements and business opportunities.”
Selena has asked to be granted damages for the “intentional and despicable misappropriation” of her name, image and likeness. She also asked for a share of any profit the China-based gaming company has made off the app and requested that they stop the alleged illegal activity.
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