Dua Lipa attends the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyDua Lipa is facing legal action after allegedly sharing a paparazzi-snapped photo of herself to Instagram, Billboard has learned.
In an eight-page copyright infringement complaint filed by attorney Craig Sanders in U.S. District Court in California on Tuesday, the pop star is accused of sharing a photo owned by Integral Images to her personal Instagram account in February 2019 “without permission or authorization.” The company backs up its case against the singer by noting that Lipa uses her Instagram account as a marketing tool to earn additional revenue.
“The Account is monetized in that it contains content designed to accumulate followers who are directed to, via link and/or advertisement, consume and purchase Defendant’s content, Defendant profits from these activities,” the complaint reads.
Integral Images is seeking $150,000 in damages or, alternatively, “an award of actual damages and disgorgement of all of Defendant's profits attributable to the infringements,” whichever is larger. It is additionally asking for an order enjoining Dua Lipa from further acts of infringement, as well as litigation costs and attorney’s fees.
A screen grab of Lipa’s alleged use of the photo, which shows the star standing in line at an airport while wearing an oversize hat, is included as an exhibit with the complaint. Integrated Images claims the photo was taken just a few days before Lipa posted it to her account with the caption, "I'll be living under big fluffy hats until further notice."
Representatives for Lipa and Integral Images did not immediately return Billboard's request for comment.
Lipa is just the latest music star to be sued for posting paparazzi images of themselves to a social media account. In 2019, both Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber settled lawsuits brought by photographer Robert Barbera, with whom Grande reached a second settlement the following year over a separate incident. Also in 2019, Jennifer Lopez was sued by Splashy News and Picture Agency for posting a copyrighted photo of herself and then-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez to Instagram. The company later voluntarily dismissed that complaint with prejudice.
Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.
Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”
The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.
Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
