“Splash News & Picture Agency, which has been fighting the duchess in a privacy case, has also been a notable name for suing celebrities for posting images of themselves on social media.” 🙌🏾😂 #MeghanMarkle #HerPower hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/papara…
“Splash News & Picture Agency, a prominent paparazzi shop, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A global pandemic that had celebrities staying indoors is partly to blame, but also notable is Splash's legal adventures over the years”
“both as a plaintiff suing celebrities for posting copyrighted images of themselves as well as a defendant in a privacy action brought by #MeghanMarkle. Having difficulty navigating the financial situation, Splash reports having defaulted on a loan now worth nearly $1 million”
“"Splash’s financial problems stem from 3 sources," states Splash president Emma Curzon in a declaration submitted as part of the bankruptcy. "As a consequence of the global pandemic the availability of celebrity images has declined & budgets within media companies have been cut”
“This situation has been exacerbated by two ongoing litigation cases and the costs of defending these cases.” 1 of the 2 cases is Splash's battle with Markle over photos taking during a "private family outing" in a park in Canada.”
“While the BBC and other press outlets reported a settlement this past December — a Splash spokesperson said at the time that going forward, "it will not take unauthorized photographs of the family of the Duke and #DuchessOfSussex" — the case may not be fully resolved.”
Curzon: "The case involves free speech related issues under UK law &, unfortunately,has proven to be too unbearably expensive for Splash to continue...Furthermore,if the plaintiffs were to prevail in that case it would likely result in a large attorney fee award against Splash.”
“Notwithstanding the merits of the case the company has sought to settle this matter but has been unable to agree [on] a financial settlement w/in its resources."
“As for the other case where Splash finds itself a defendant, it's with the company's former account manager named Esmeralda Servin, who says she was repeatedly subjected to sexist remarks at the company. Servin also says she was terminated after raising other concerns”
“As Splash fought for free speech w/ Markle, it pursued many celebrities in court. In fact, the agency was one of the pioneers in actions against celebrity for posting images of themselves. One NFL star even claimed extortion.”
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