In a settlement reached on Monday, Kevin Brophy agreed to pay Cardi B $350,000 in legal fees. He also agreed to drop his appeal of the jury's verdict. The case arose in 2020, when Brophy sued Cardi B, alleging that she used his tattoo without permission on the cover of her 2018 mixtape "Invasion of Privacy." Brophy claimed that the use of his tattoo humiliated him and caused him emotional distress.
A jury in New York City rejected Brophy's lawsuit in March 2022. The jury found that Cardi B did not use Brophy's tattoo without permission and that she did not intend to humiliate him. Brophy appealed the verdict, but the appellate court upheld the jury's decision. In the settlement agreement, Brophy agreed to pay Cardi B $350,000 in legal fees. He also agreed to drop his appeal of the jury's verdict.
Cardi B's lawyer, Jeff Kern, said in a statement that the settlement was "a victory for artists everywhere." He said that the case "sent a strong message that artists have the right to use images that are in the public domain." Brophy's lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, said in a statement that his client was "disappointed" with the outcome of the case. However, he said that Brophy was "glad to put this matter behind him" and that he was "looking forward to moving on with his life."
The case has been closely watched by the music industry, as it raised important questions about the use of copyrighted material in art. The settlement is a victory for Cardi B and other artists, as it establishes that artists have the right to use images that are in the public domain. The case also raises important questions about the use of social media. In this case, Brophy used social media to bring attention to his claim that Cardi B had used his tattoo without permission. This case shows that social media can be a powerful tool for people who believe that their rights have been violated.
The settlement in this case is a good outcome for both parties. Cardi B was able to avoid a long and expensive trial, and Brophy was able to receive some compensation for his alleged damages. The settlement also provides clarity for artists and other creators about the use of copyrighted material in their work.
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