Update 01/23/2022 1:10pm:

Previously, it was revealed that Jay-Z was suing the photographer behind the cover for his classic album ‘Reasonable Doubt.’ Initially, Jay-Z claimed that his name and likeness were being exploited without his consent.

The suit went on to say, “It’s ironic that a photographer would treat the image of a formerly-unknown Black teenager, now wildly successful, as a piece of property to be squeezed for every dollar it can produce. It stops today.” Since then, photographer Jonathan Mannion has moved to dismiss the suit, citing the first amendment. From there, Jay-Z says he and Mannion met on January 5, and they attempted a settlement situation. However, nothing came of the meeting. As a result, the case is now heading to trial, and the date has been set for July 22, 2022.

source: AllHipHop

Original 06/15/2021 3:09pm:

Jay-Z is suing the photographer behind his iconic Reasonable Doubt cover in a new lawsuit that claims his name and image are being exploited without his consent.

Jonathan Mannion and his company, Jonathan Mannion Photography LLC, are being sued for selling photos of Jay-Z for thousands of dollars. Not only does the lawsuit claim Mannion sold photos without Jay-Z's permission, but that the photographer demanded tens of millions when asked to stop selling photos. According to the lawsuit, Mannion is making an "arrogant assumption that because he took those photographs, he can do with them as he pleases."

The lawsuit claims Mannion was hired to shoot the album cover in 1996. The photographer took hundreds of photos and was paid for the use of the pictures. However, Mannion continues to sell photos and merchandise featuring the rapper's likeness.

The rap mogul claims he has strict control over how his name and likeness are used and finds it "ironic that a photographer would treat the image of a formerly-unknown Black teenager, now wildly successful, as a piece of property to be squeezed for every dollar it can produce. It stops today."

In addition to the Reasonable Doubt cover, Mannion shot the covers for Jay-Z's subsequent albums such as In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, The Blueprint, and The Black Album.

Jay-Z is seeking to have Mannion prevented from selling products with his name and likeness and wants the profits made off of any Jay-Z merchandise.

Look above for screenshots of the available products.

Source: TMZ