Reform UK has taken down negative advertisements featuring an artwork of Andy Burnham following legal threats from the artist. Stanley Chow’s legal representatives accused Nigel Farage’s party of copyright violation for altering the artwork without permission, demanding a public apology.
The controversial images, believed to be AI-generated, depicted individuals on a boat holding “Vote Andy” signs featuring Chow’s portrait of the Makerfield by-election candidate and Labour leadership aspirant. The removal of the ads coincided with recent polls indicating a significant lead for Burnham, after Reform’s candidate faced criticism on a TV show for not apologizing for offensive comments about women.
Brabners, the law firm representing Chow, insisted on an injunction, compensation, and a public apology from Reform UK. The artist’s claim, seeking a minimum of £5,000 in damages, also required acknowledgment of his rights and the unauthorized use of his work on Reform’s digital platforms.
Chow, a Manchester-based artist, expressed disappointment over the misuse of his artwork by Reform UK, stating that it contradicts his values and intended message. He highlighted the unfairness of his portrait being employed without consent to promote agendas he disagrees with, including anti-immigration sentiments.
In response, a spokesperson for Reform UK defended their actions, claiming that their use of the material was within fair use guidelines and dismissing the legal action as politically motivated. Despite refuting any wrongdoing, they removed the contentious posts as a gesture of goodwill.
