Dua Lipa is set to take legal action against tech giant Samsung after accusing them of using her image to sell televisions without permission.
The pop star, 30, is suing for £11,000,000 after claiming they used her face on cardboard TV boxes as part of a ‘mass marketing campaign’.
Court filings state the Houdini singer had ‘no say, control, or input whatsoever’ over the use of her photo in the campaign for Samsung’s Crystal 43in ultra-high- definition sets to promote their XITE Hits music channel.
The complaint adds: ‘Ms Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.’
Dua is seeking $15,000,000 (£11,000,000) in damages.
The photo in question was taken backstage during her appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024, with the star claiming she owns the copyright to the picture.
She claims to have only found out about the use of the image after the products were already on sale.
A legal team representing the singer have also criticised Samsung for being ‘dismissive and callous’ when asked to stop using the photograph.
They also argue that social media comments from fans of the pop star mean Samsung benefited from believing she had backed the product.
The complaint even includes social media comments from fans who intended on buying the TV because of her apparent involvement, with one writing on X: ‘I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it.’
Another said: ‘I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it. That’s how obsessed I am. That’s how much I love her.’ A third added: ‘Just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.’
Peter Vaughan, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School, told Metro: ‘It is not surprising that Dua Lipa has decided to take action in California, in the US, where the protection of image rights, and the ability to commercialise your image, are given stronger protection than, for example in the UK where protection is much more fragmented and arguably a little “behind the times”.’
He added that Samsung ‘may look to argue that rather than being seen as endorsement, the image of Dua Lipa is simply what was on the home screen of a TV at the time.’
‘Companies carefully consider every element of packaging and a decision seems to have been made to use this particular image; Samsung would likely have to explain why this was not because it featured Dua Lipa,’ he added.
‘Celebrity endorsements are a key part of any marketing strategy and attaching a product to a celebrity sells; a trend which we all know that influencers have exploited to their advantage.
‘Celebrities and other influencers are much more aware of the value of their image. It hits the news when someone of Dua Lipa’s status takes action, but hopefully this will highlight to others who find their image being used that it does have a value and that taking steps to protect that image is worth it.’
In happier news, the singer is due to tie the knot with actor Callum Turner this summer, with celebrations rumoured to be taking place in Palermo, Sicily.
The pair, who got engaged in June 2025, will reportedly say ‘I do’ in a star-studded ceremony between 5-7 September.
Metro has contacted representatives for Dua Lipa for comment.
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