Artist Daniel Arsham has filed a lawsuit towards Quavo for copyright infringement and violation of proper to publicity, after the Migos star featured one among his Ferrari sculptures within the “Trappa Rappa” promo video with out authorized permission.
On March 31, Arsham filed a grievance in Manhattan’s Southern District of New York, claiming that “infringing video options Quavo performing in entrance of the paintings” – Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT (2018), which is presently registered with the U.S. Copyright Workplace. Alongside the teaser, Quavo posted nonetheless photos that featured the sculpture on Instagram, and tagged Arsham’s account.
Arsham and his authorized staff despatched cease-and-desist letters to Quavo, High quality Management Music, and its father or mother firm, HYBE America, in December 2024, when the content material in query was initially posted, and once more in January 2025, in response to a latest ARTnews report. Whereas the video was ultimately taken down from YouTube and Instagram, it stays accessible on the rapper’s TikTok web page.
“By failing to acquire Mr. Arsham’s authorization to make use of the Paintings or to compensate Mr. Arsham for the use,” the grievance reads, noting that the defendants “have averted fee of license charges and different monetary prices related to acquiring permission to take advantage of the paintings, in addition to the restrictions that Mr. Arsham is entitled to and would place on any such exploitation as circumstances for Mr. Arsham’s permission, together with the suitable to disclaim permission.”
An alleged transfer to “capitalize on” the artist’s identify and repute for Quavo’s “personal monetary achieve,” Arsham is suing on the grounds of direct, vicarious, and contributory copyright infringement, and seeks a everlasting injunction to dam additional use of the paintings, in addition to financial damages and earnings earned from the unauthorized use.
