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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Sean Morrison

Ariana Grande embroiled in copyright battle over Instagram posts of herself

Self love is a running theme throughout Ariana's new album (Picture: Getty)

Ariana Grande has become embroiled in a copyright battle over pictures of herself she posted on Instagram.

The pop star was accused of using two pictures she did not pay for on the social media site.

The posts were reportedly to have garnered 3 million likes before being deleted.

Robert Barbera, a professional photographer, claimed Grande never asked for permission to use two of his pictures.

Performer: Ariana Grande performing at Coachella (Getty Images for AG)

Mr Barbera is seeking damages of up to $25,000 (£19,000) for each picture.

The photos showed the singer carrying a clear bag bearing the name of her fourth studio album: Sweetener.

She posted them on Instagram on August 17 last year, on the day the album was released, alongside the caption: “Happy sweetener day”.

Ariana Grande at Coachella

Grande has since deleted the post, but according to the lawsuit filed in New York it was 'liked' 3,392,035 times.

Grande is the most followed woman on Instagram, with 154 million followers.

Mr Barbera is seeking damages of up to 25,000 US dollars, about £19,000 - for each picture.

Grande did not immediately respond to the lawsuit.

She is not the first celebrity to be accused of copyright infringement by professional photographers.

Jennifer Lopez, Gigi Hadid, 50 Cent, Jessica Simpson, and Khloe Kardashian have all be sued by photographers after allegedly posting their pictures.

Additional reporting by PA

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