Is Forever 21 Going Bankrupt? Inside Ariana Grande’s $10 Million Lawsuit Against the Retail Store

Everyone wants to be Ariana Grande. According to the artist, even Forever 21 tried to copy her. The pop singer is filing a lawsuit against the retail store for alleged copyright infringement and a ‘look-alike model.’ Learn more about the $10 million lawsuit here.

Ariana Grande is suing the clothing brand, Forever 21

It’s not easy being an international pop star. For Ariana Grande, the success just keeps coming, as the artist earned multiple nominations at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Amidst all the success, however, Grande is filing a lawsuit against the retail store, Forever 21.

Recently, Forever 21 collaborated with companies like Cheetos and even USPS. Their brand of quick, inexpensive, trendy clothing earned the company decades of shoppers — and who’s more trendy than Ariana Grande? For one of the company’s social media campaigns, Ariana Grande claims Forever 21 hired a look-alike model.

The artist is suing Forever 21 for “unauthorized use” of her “name, image, likeness and music”

When “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande first premiered, it became an instant favorite among fans, raking in millions of plays on the YouTube music video. Allegedly, Forever 21 asked the artist to collaborate, and she declined. Regardless of her wish, the company seemed to use some of the artist’s themes, including the color palette and the style of clothing. They even used Ariana Grande’s lyrics from her song “7 Rings” in an Instagram caption.

Additionally, the artist is suing Forever 21 over the use of a “look-alike model” for their ad campaign. The model is dressed in a similar outfit to that of Ariana Grande in the “7 Rings” video, with a high, slicked-back ponytail. The model is also wearing two puffballs on her head, similar to the pop artist. The lawsuit between Ariana Grande and Forever 21 is still ongoing.

Forever 21 might file for bankruptcy, according to the Washington Examiner

Fast fashion, brought to consumers via companies like Forever 21, might be dying. According to the Washington Examiner, the retail store might be filing for bankruptcy later this year. Some aren’t sad to see Forever 21 go. Recently, the company has been under fire for its extremely low wages and negative environmental impact.

This lawsuit with Ariana Grande is only adding fuel to the fire. The pop artist is seeking $10 million in damages for copyright infringement, common law trademark infringement, and other alleged offenses. Primarily, the artist is suing for their use of a “look-alike model.” According to CNN, documents state that Forever 21 is being sued for allegedly “misappropriating Ms. Grande’s name, image, likeness, and music in order to create the false perception of her endorsement.”

The company responded to the suit in an email to CNN, which said, “Forever 21 does not comment on pending litigation as per company policy. That said, while we dispute the allegations, we are huge supporters of Ariana Grande and have worked with her licensing company over the past two years. We are hopeful that we will find a mutually agreeable resolution and can continue to work together in the future.”