British alternative metal band Sleep Token have come under scrutiny following allegations that they used an unlicensed live photograph for official merchandise without the photographer’s consent.
Photographer Laura Ioana V made the claim public via Instagram on December 19, stating that a photo she captured of Vessel, Sleep Token‘s masked frontman, was allegedly altered and used on commemorative merchandise sold at the band’s November 10, 2024 show in Frankfurt, Germany.
According to Ioana, the image in question was taken during Sleep Token‘s June 15, 2023 performance at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, while she was on an editorial assignment for a magazine.
In her post, Ioana wrote: “This year I found out the photo I took in 2023 at @copenhell festival (on an editorial assignment for a magazine) was used for merch in 2024, without my permission. I have not signed any contract granting anyone the licensing rights to these photos.”
She further explained that despite multiple attempts to contact the band and its representatives, she struggled to establish direct communication: “I have sent emails myself and sent a lot of DMs on socials as well but I haven’t been successful in establishing a communication line with the band directly.”
Ioana also alleged that a proposed settlement offered by someone involved with the merchandise was unfair, claiming she was labeled “aggressive” for pushing back against it: “As a small creator it is a bit disheartening when you do something with passion and it gets stolen for profit and dismissed like this… it seems to not be an isolated case.”
She concluded by asking followers to share her post in hopes of reaching the band’s management directly.
Ioana later updated her post, noting that Future History Management, Sleep Token‘s management company, had reached out regarding the matter: “Management finally got in contact so let’s see what solution they will have to this.”
As of now, no public statement has been issued by Sleep Token or their representatives addressing the specific claim.
Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.
