Model Jaime Edmondson had her photos used by a nudist resort without her permission. Photo courtesy of Rant Sports.
Summary: Sixteen models filed a lawsuit against a Tampa nudist resort for unauthorized use of their images.
For anyone who has ever fantasized of going to a nudist resort, he or she has probably imagined beautiful, naked people frolicking around in the sun with their glistening bodies. After all, the fantasy is so much better than reality, which is most likely a world of dad bods and wrinkles.
It makes sense for a nudist resort to advertise the fantasy, and that’s what Caliente Resort and Spa did. The nudist resort in Tampa used the images of Playmates and other beautiful women to promote their resort and events. The problem was that they didn’t pay the models or ask for their permission. Now sixteen models are suing.
For another story about a lawsuit involving a celebrity’s photo being used without permission, see this story:
Michael Jordan Enjoys a Different Kind of Court Win
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Tampa, and the models are asking for $1.6 million. They say that they told the resort to stop using their pictures on promotions, which included fetish events such as a “slap and tickle” party. Furthermore, the women did not want to be associated with a “deviant” lifestyle like swinging. That association damaged their reputations, and according to their lawsuit, “In the modeling industry, reputation is critical.”
After receiving the cease and desist letter, the resort added more pictures to their advertising materials, alleged the lawsuit.
Model Jaime Edmondson, who is engaged to Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays, was one of the models named in the suit. Jaime has appeared in Playboy and was a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader.
The lawsuit says Caliente featured Edmondson’s picture on a Swimsuit Optional Sunday promotion, and the lawsuit stated that her image is worth $50,000. She was unpaid.
The number per image sounds steep, but the models are pageant queens, actresses, and runway walkers who rely on their looks to make a living.
Alana Campos, for instance, was in a movie with Robert DeNiro and was a ring girl for the Mayweather vs. Pacquaio fight. Clark Middleton Gilmer appeared on America’s Next Top Model and Millionaire Matchmaker.
Caliente didn’t just women’s images in their advertisements, however. They also used the image of one man, John Coulter, who modeled for Fruit of the Loom.
The models are represented by Chris Oprison.