There are many iconic albums that are known for their cover art almost as much as the actual music on the album. One of those albums is Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind,’ which famously has a cover that depicts a naked baby chasing a dollar bill under water. Despite being one of the most famous images in music history, that baby is now suing the band over the use of his image.
Spencer Elden, the baby that was photographed for the Nirvana album, is now 30 and recently filed a lawsuit against Nirvana, Kurt Cobain’s estate, the record company, and the album’s art directors. According to Brobible, Elden is arguing the image is child sexual exploitation that has caused him lifelong suffering. The lawsuit also claims Elden’s legal guardians never signed a release “authorizing the use of any images of Spencer or of his likeness.”
As a result, Elden is now seeking damages of either $150,000 from each of the 17 defendants or unspecified damages to be determined at trial. The photo was originally taken when Elden was just four-months old. Now, 30 years later he hopes to no longer be known as the world’s most famous naked baby.