⚖️ Ariana Grande’s Legal Battles: Forever 21, “7 Rings” Lawsuit & How She Protects Her Brand

Mian Hamid September 08, 2025

N E E D   T O   K N O W

  • Forever 21 Face-Off – Ariana sued the fashion chain (and its Riley Rose brand) for $10M after they allegedly used a look-alike model and unauthorized imagery in a misleading ad campaign.

  • “7 Rings” Copyright Claim – A hip-hop artist named Josh Stone (DOT) accused Ariana of plagiarizing his 2017 song; the case was later settled out of court.

  • Paparazzi Photo Suit – Ariana was sued by photographer Robert Barbera for posting photos of herself on Instagram without permission—highlighting social media’s legal gray zone.

  • Drag Artist Accusation – Drag performer Farrah Moan claimed Ariana’s team copied her costume look from RuPaul’s Drag Race for the “7 Rings” music video.

  • “God Is a Woman” Lawsuit Dropped – A lawsuit by artist Vladimir Kush over imagery in the music video was resolved with the case dropped.

Ariana Grande’s Legal Roadmap: When Stardom Meets Lawsuits

⚖️ Ariana Grande’s Legal Battles: Forever 21, “7 Rings” Lawsuit & How She Protects Her Brand

Ariana Grande has faced high-profile legal disputes—from suing Forever 21 for $10M to settling the “7 Rings” copyright case and navigating paparazzi photo lawsuits. Explore how she defends her artistry, brand, and image rights in the digital era.

Quick Legal Snapshot

Ariana Grande has navigated several high-profile legal challenges—from a $10 million lawsuit against Forever 21 over unauthorized use of her likeness, to copyright claims regarding her hit “7 Rings,” paparazzi-photo disputes, and allegations of dragging drag artist Farrah Moan’s design. Most suits have been settled or dismissed, underscoring Ariana’s resilience and steadfast brand protection.

1. The Forever 21 Lawsuit: Defending Image and Influence

In 2019, Ariana Grande took legal action against Forever 21 and its beauty offshoot Riley Rose, demanding $10 million in damages. She alleged the retailer used a look-alike model styled in her signature “7 Rings” aesthetic, alongside unsanctioned photos and lyrics—creating a false implication of endorsement.

Forever 21 declined to comment but eventually removed the disputed content. The EU spotlight framed the case as a cautionary tale for brands using celebrity imagery without permission. Despite the media buzz, there’s no record of a public settlement, suggesting Ariana’s suit served as an effective deterrent.

2. The “7 Rings” Copyright Battle: Settled Behind Closed Doors

In early 2020, rapper-producer Josh Stone (stage name DOT) accused Ariana of copying his 2017 track You Need It, I Got It, alleging the hooks were nearly identical. Expert analysis allegedly found matching notes and rhythms between the two songs.

A year later, both sides quietly settled the case, with the lawsuit dismissed. Terms remained confidential—but the resolution spared Ariana a protracted dispute and maintained her creative reputation.

3. Paparazzi Photo Flashpoint: Copyright in the Social Media Age

⚖️ Ariana Grande’s Legal Battles: Forever 21, “7 Rings” Lawsuit & How She Protects Her Brand

In 2019, New York photographer Robert Barbera sued Ariana for posting his photos of her on Instagram without permission. The shots, tied to her Sweetener album release, had millions of likes—and the photographer sought damages up to $25,000 per image or a share of any profits.

This case spotlighted the blurred boundaries between personal promotion and legal rights on social platforms—especially when content is widely replicated or monetized.

4. Costume Copy Claims: Drag Culture Meets Pop Stardom

Drag artist Farrah Moan accused Ariana’s team of copying her costume look for the “7 Rings” video. Farrah claimed a design photo from RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 4 had been sent to Ariana’s designer, prompting issues of creative appropriation.

Although no formal legal action followed, the claim added layers to the discussion around cultural and artist credit in fashion-driven pop culture.

5. “God Is a Woman” Visual Art Lawsuit: Resolved Through Settlement

⚖️ Ariana Grande’s Legal Battles: Forever 21, “7 Rings” Lawsuit & How She Protects Her Brand

Artist Vladimir Kush filed suit in 2019, claiming Ariana’s “God Is a Woman” video borrowed imagery from his paintings. By August, the case was dropped—suggesting a private settlement preserved goodwill without litigation.

6. Instagram as Evidence: A Double-Edged Sword

Although Ariana’s Instagram isn't directly cited in these cases, it's often central—either as the battleground (photo postings) or as weaponized by brands. Her high-profile presence underscores how legal boundaries can shift in the era of constant digital sharing.

Grace Under Fire

Ariana Grande’s legal battles reflect more than courtroom drama—they’re testaments to a star safeguarding her identity, music, and artistry. Whether confronting fast fashion missteps, copyright claims, or visual accusations, she emerges as vigilant, decisive, and empowered. In pop culture’s fast lane, her poise in protecting her brand is just as compelling as her chart-topping hits.

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