Amyl & the Sniffers Battle L.A. Photographer in Ongoing Copyright Clash
Legal battles are intensifying for the Australian punk rock band Amyl & The Sniffers, coinciding with the announcement of their upcoming tour dates. A hearing has been set for February 13, 2026, in Los Angeles regarding a copyright infringement lawsuit and a restraining order connected to a dispute with Los Angeles photographer Jamie Nelson. The origins of this legal conflict trace back to June 2024.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began when Jamie Nelson, a photographer based in Los Angeles, took a series of images of Amyl & The Sniffers’ lead vocalist, Amy Taylor. This series, titled “Champagne Problems,” was published in the July 2025 issue of Vogue Portugal. Nelson claims rights as the creator and copyright holder of these photographs.
In December 2025, Nelson filed a civil harassment restraining order against Taylor after a third party allegedly posted her copyrighted image without permission. Notably, the courts did not grant the temporary restraining order but scheduled the upcoming hearing.
Allegations and Lawsuits
Nelson accuses Taylor of violating her copyright by allowing unauthorized distribution of the photographs, while Taylor contends that Nelson has exploited her image for financial gain. Taylor alleged that Nelson sold fine art prints of the images without consent, leading to a legal counteraction from Amyl & The Sniffers in December 2025.
- Hearing Date: February 13, 2026
- Photographer: Jamie Nelson
- Band: Amyl & The Sniffers
- Lead Vocalist: Amy Taylor
- Publication: Vogue Portugal (July 2025)
Initial Agreements and Intentions
The complications escalated as Nelson initially sought to photograph the band for their album “Cartoon Darkness,” released in October 2024. Though the band was open to a shoot, they explicitly prohibited the use of the images for Nelson’s commercial purposes.
After a shoot scheduled for May 2025, Nelson wanted to sell the images as fine art prints. The band rejected this proposal, emphasizing that the images were intended only for Vogue Portugal. Despite clear communication, Nelson persistently requested to use the photos beyond their agreed-upon purpose.
Key Issues at Stake
The ongoing legal confrontation highlights various issues regarding copyright and image exploitation. Nelson’s ownership of the copyright does not absolve her from requiring consent for commercial use of Taylor’s likeness. The band argues that Nelson’s actions could lead to confusion regarding the endorsement of her products.
Amy Taylor emphasizes her desire for control over her public image, making the situation even more complex when a third party incorrectly shared the photos. As the February 2026 hearing approaches, both sides look to the courts to resolve these intricate legal challenges.
The case not only spotlights copyright issues but also raises questions about the boundaries of image ownership in the digital age.
