We all know the iconic Nirvana cover art of 1991 ‘Nevermind’ album, the baby being Spencer Elden (30 years old).
But now, Spencer is suing the band, alleging “child p*rnography” and “child s*xual exploitation.”
The suit adds that the defendants “knowingly produced, possessed, and advertised commercial child p*rnography depicting Spencer, and they knowingly received value in exchange for doing so,” while also noting that “despite this knowledge, defendants failed to take reasonable steps to protect Spencer and prevent his widespread sexual exploitation and image tr*fficking.”
Spencer also claims that his parents never signed a release authorizing the use of the photos, which were taken in a Pasadena aquatic center in 1990. He also alleges that the band promised to cover his genitals with a sticker, which was never incorporated into the album art.
The complaint states:
“To ensure the album cover would trigger a visceral sexual response from the viewer, [photographer Kirk] Weddle activated Spencer’s ‘gag reflex’ before throwing him underwater in poses highlighting and emphasizing Spencer’s exposed genitals.”