Model sues Victoria’s Secret for using too much of her face in an Instagram ad
Por Rachel Dobkin — – World RSS Feed
Model sues Victoria’s Secret for using too much of her face in an Instagram ad
Sydney Roper, known for modeling golf apparel, has claimed that Victoria’s Secret used ‘about 95 percent of her face’ in a perfume ad when she was supposed to be unrecognizable
Rachel Dobkin in New York Wednesday 30 September 2026 21:59 BST
- Bookmark
- Comments Go to comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
Become an Independent member to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more
A model has sued Victoria’s Secret, claiming the company used too much of her face in an Instagram ad for perfume without permission and additional compensation.
Sydney Roper, who has modeled for Peter Millar’s G/FORE golf apparel brand for about six years, alleges in a lawsuit filed in federal court in California Tuesday that Victoria’s Secret used her “recognizable likeness” in the ad “to attract consumer attention and promote purchases.”
Despite the company purchasing only an “unrecognizable parts-model appearance,” in which less than 30 percent of Roper’s face would be shown, about 95 percent of her face appeared in the ad, according to the lawsuit obtained by The Independent.
When Roper’s agency demanded an extra $3,000, including a $500 agency fee, for using more of her face in the ad, Victoria’s Secret “did not respond, removed the linked advertisement, and offered no apology,” the lawsuit read.
“Taking an advertisement down does not pay the model for the use already made,” Roper’s lawyers wrote in the complaint.
open image in galleryThe complaint stems from a perfume ad that was part of Victoria’s Secret Joyride campaign that rolled out this summer.
Roper’s agency agreed to a four-hour modeling shoot for the campaign on April 3 in exchange for $1,000 plus a 20 percent agency fee, according to the lawsuit.
A company representative allegedly confirmed to Roper’s agency in an email that “all will remain unrecognizable” and said that only part of her face, including her nose and lips, would be shown, along with her hands and an arm.
open image in galleryBut, according to Roper’s estimate, about 95 percent of her face was allegedly shown in the ad. “Her visible eye, nose, lips, and facial features made her recognizable notwithstanding partial shadow,” the lawsuit read.
The Independent has reached out to Victoria’s Secret for comment.
Roper is now seeking “accountability for the unauthorized commercial use of her likeness and the breach of the negotiated restrictions,” the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit requests an unspecified amount of damages, profits attributable to the “unauthorized use” of Roper’s likeness and attorneys’ fees.
More about
Victoria’s SecretCaliforniaLawsuit
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Most popular
Popular videos
Bulletin
Read next
Fonte: – World RSS Feed
