Reform UK has decided to take down attack advertisements that featured a portrait of Andy Burnham after the artist, Stanley Chow, threatened legal action for alleged copyright infringement. Chow’s lawyers accused Nigel Farage’s party of using the artwork without permission and demanded a public apology.
The disputed images, believed to be AI-generated, depicted a group of individuals on a boat holding “Vote Andy” signs with Chow’s portrait of the Makerfield by-election candidate and Labour leadership aspirant. Recent polls indicate a significant lead for Burnham following a controversial Question Time appearance by Reform’s candidate.
Legal representatives from Brabners asserted Chow’s right to an injunction, compensation, and a public apology for the unauthorized use of his artwork. The letter of claim sent to Reform UK’s headquarters stated that Chow was seeking damages of at least £5,000 and insisted on a public acknowledgment of his rights and the alleged copyright infringement.
Chow, a Manchester native, expressed his dissatisfaction with Reform UK’s use of his artwork, stating that it misrepresented his beliefs. He emphasized that his portrait was intended to convey positive messages about Manchester and Burnham’s vision, not to support agendas he opposes, such as anti-immigration sentiments.
A spokesperson for Reform UK maintained that their use of the material constituted fair use and claimed that the legal actions were politically motivated. Despite this, they removed the contentious posts from social media platforms without admitting liability.
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