Her Loss: Drake & 21 Savage vs. Anna Wintour and Vogue Magazine

In November 2022, rappers Drake and 21 Savage were sued by Vogue for unauthorized use of the magazine’s trademark and logo. Recent developments have got the public in a chokehold.

Source: NPR

In November 2022, Rappers Drake and 21 Savage were sued by Vogue magazine for unsolicited use of the infamous fashion magazine’s trademarks. Vogue owner Condé Nast filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging that the rapping duo used unauthorized cover images, full mock-ups of the magazine and the apparent endorsement of editor-in-chief Anna Wintour for clout and promotion of their joint record.

Some Background

The publisher sought at least $4 million in statutory damages and triple the rappers’ profits from the sales of their album and the counterfeit magazine, or triple their awarded damages, whichever is greater.

The Judgment

A judge ruled in favor of Condé Nast, asserting that they owned “valid and incontestable” trademarks and that the rappers and the communications firm Hiltzik Strategies “created and disseminated” counterfeit images of the Voguecover, causing public confusion, without the magazine’s authorization.

A temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction were issued against the rappers and the pair voluntarily took down all public displays of the fake Vogue covers, additionally paying an undisclosed sum in damages in recent months.

The Plot Thickens

Source: Sterogum

In July 2023, the duo embarked on their joint tour ‘It’s All a Blur.’ Fans quickly noticed imagery being used on tour of a gaunt looking elderly woman who bears a strong resemblance to Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. The rappers have not publicly made a statement regarding the image, but conversations have been sparked across social media of what this means for both Drake and 21 Savage legally.

Although no confirmations have been made regarding the images resemblance to Anna Wintour, with the now strained relationship the rappers have with Vogue and it’s editor-in chief, Drake and 21 Savage may see themselves back in court for issues around defamation and harassment in the future. This new development in this dispute raises question of whether the duo have taken this issue too far and what the consequences are for using someone’s likeness for unflattering purposes.

What do you think?

1. Are Drake and 21 Savage unfairly profiting off of Anna Wintour’s image through their alleged parody of her?

2. When does parody or satire go too far?