Model sues fashion brand for unauthorized AI-generated images using her likeness
A New York-based model filed a lawsuit against Rainbow, a clothing retailer, alleging the brand used AI-generated images of her likeness in advertisements after her contract expired, placing her in sexual poses without consent. Pujols had provided original photographs under contract for photoshoots, but claims Rainbow created AI-altered versions that damaged her professional reputation. She later dropped the lawsuit.
What happened
Francheska Pujols posed for original photographs against a plain white background for Rainbow USA under a contract that began in September 2024 and expired on March 15, 2026.
The final advertisements used AI-generated images of Pujols' likeness placed in sexed-up poses and different settings, which she did not consent to. The contract allegedly allowed only minor tweaks such as cropping and stylistic alterations, not creation of new images.
Pujols sent Rainbow a cease and desist in March, but the brand allegedly continued using the AI-generated images on its website, digital ads and in stores after the contract expired.
Reported impact
Pujols alleged the ads damaged her professional reputation as a high-end model, particularly one image showing her in compromising positions that she described as crude.
She claimed she was missing out on licensing fees due to the unauthorized use of her likeness.
Index analysis
The case raises questions about consent and compensation when AI-generated replicas of real models are used in fashion advertising without explicit approval.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.