Photographer sues singer Mariah Angeliq and Urban Outfitters for using a photo without his permission

Los Angeles photographer Abdullah Webster (Hexlastudios) has initiated a copyright infringement suit through Enso Law against singer Mariah Angeliq, Penske Media, and Urban Outfitters after one of his images appeared on merchandise and promotional materials without permission. Originally shot in 2021 solely for the artist’s personal, non-commercial use—explicitly requiring attribution to Webster and Hexlastudios—one photo was later sold by Angeliq to Urban Outfitters and Penske Media to promote Latin Music Week, her music, live shows, and clothing lines. Webster alleges that despite repeated notice of his ownership, the image was used commercially without his consent or compensation. Urban Outfitters reportedly sold t-shirts featuring the photo and used it to drive traffic to its and Billboard’s websites, highlighting systemic exploitation of young creators’ intellectual property.