Ozzy Osbourne is being sued for copyright infringement. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, alleges that Osbourne posted photos of himself on social media without permission from the photographer, Neil Zlozower.
“The accounts are key components of defendant’s popular and lucrative commercial enterprise,” the lawsuit says (via Billboard). “Defendant has over 12 million followers on [Facebook], and over 6 million followers on [Instagram], and over 5 million followers on [X] — all of which are monetized and provide significant financial benefits to defendant.”
Zlozower has filed nearly 60 lawsuits since 2016 against various individuals and bands, including Elvis Costello, GUNS N’ ROSES, and MÖTLEY CRÜE. This lawsuit claims Osbourne used several of Zlozower‘s photos without permission, including five portraits of Osbourne with guitarist Zakk Wylde and one of Osbourne embracing Randy Rhoads onstage.
Zlozower alleges he contacted Osbourne’s team three times in 2024 regarding the unauthorized photos, but received no response. This lack of communication, Zlozower claims, has forced him to take legal action.
Despite being a celebrity, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t automatically own the copyright to photos of himself. Copyright law typically grants ownership to the photographer, not the subject of the photo. Therefore, celebrities cannot freely repost images of themselves without permission.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.