Viral 'Fiji Water Girl' sues company that made her 'famous'
What's the story
During the 76th Golden Globes Awards this year, we reported how a young model managed to make an appearance in every picture taken at the red carpet holding a tray with Fiji water bottles. However, Kelleth Cuthbert, commonly known as 'Fiji Water Girl', is now suing Fiji Water Company for creating a marketing campaign using her picture without her permission. Here's what happened.
Viral
Fiji Water earned Rs. 85.7cr through Cuthbert's Golden Globes stunt
Few weeks back, Cuthbert became Internet's favorite woman after she was spotted photobombing every red carpet picture and stealing the limelight. Twitter users couldn't stop sharing the Fiji Water Girl's pictures on the microblogging site and called her the "true winner of Golden Globes". Also, through her "accidental" fame, she helped Fiji Water earn $12 million or approx. Rs. 85.7 crore.
Allegations
Fiji Water created cardboard cutouts of Cuthbert without her permission
However recent reports say Cuthbert filed a lawsuit against Fiji Water Company and The Wonderful Company for creating a marketing-campaign out of her viral Golden Globes stunt without her permission. Fiji Water had created her cardboard-cutouts for the campaign which started the day after the ceremony. The company also tried to bribe her with gifts to get her to sign away her rights.
Fake agreement
Lawsuit says Fiji Water pressured Cuthbert into signing fake document
According to Cuthbert's lawsuit, Fiji Water pressured her into video recording of signing a fake document making it look like she's signing to become Fiji Water Ambassador. Cuthbert destroyed the document and claimed that no agreement exists that'd allow Fiji Water to make profit from her image. She's seeking damages and has demanded that the company should stop using her cutouts.
Twitter Post
Cuthbert shares sarcastic post about her cardboard cutouts
You will think that I've been cloned, but those are actually cardboards that mother (@FIJIWater) is spreading worldwide. Marketing first!
— FIJI Water Girl 💧 (@watergirlGG) January 10, 2019
P.S: I dare you to steel one and take it to your home with you. I'd you do, send me a pic. 😈🤡 #thewatergirl #fijiwater pic.twitter.com/IeCztOGlx2
Quote
Fiji Water says Cuthbert violated an agreement they negotiated
Meanwhile, Fiji Water has dubbed the lawsuit "frivolous". "After Golden Globes social media moment, we negotiated a generous agreement with Ms. Cuthbert which she blatantly violated. We are confident that we will prevail in Court," Fiji Water told media.