Content warning: This article discusses child sexual exploitation.
Nirvana are being sued by Spencer Elden, the naked baby from the cover of 1991’s Nevermind.
Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic as well as Courtney Love and the Estate of Kurt Cobain are all named in the lawsuit, which pertains to Nevermind‘s infamous cover image. The suit comes just one month prior to the 30th anniversary of the Diamond-selling album.
As per court documents uploaded to Scribd by Pitchfork, Elden’s lawyers also hold photographer Kirk Weddle and the various labels that released Nevermind (including Universal Music Group and the David Geffen Company) responsible. The suit was filed in the United States District Court – Central District of California on Tuesday, 24th August.
Elden seeks damages for the Defendants’ “violations of federal criminal child pornography statutes.” The suit alleges that Elden sustained injuries as a result of Nirvana et al’s “commercial child sexual exploitation” of him. The alleged injuries have sustained from childhood through to the present day.
It also alleges that the Defendants “failed to take reasonable steps to protect Spencer” and that they “continue to benefit from their participation in Spencer’s commercial sexual exploitation.”
We will have more details as they arise.
