Green v. Goddess Length Hair Salon

Case Background

On July 30, 2022, Plaintiff Ada Green filed a Unauthorized Photos Lawsuit in the Mississippi State, Superior Court of Hinds County (Case number: 73D01-2206-CT-16). Judge Adrienne H. Wooten presided over the case.

Cause

Ada Green had been employed by Goddess Lengths Hair Salon for several years. During which she took part in various promotional campaigns. As part of her job, she posed for photos used in the salon’s marketing materials, including billboards, internet ads, flyers, and vending machine displays. These ads helped establish her as a recognizable face, thanks to the campaign’s broad reach.

Although Green played a key role in the success of these advertisements, she was never compensated for the use of her likeness. There was no formal modeling contract between her and the salon, and she received no payment for the use of her photos. Initially, Green appeared pleased with the exposure. On social media, she expressed excitement about her involvement, describing how she had gone from being a “walking billboard” to appearing on a real one, calling it a “moment she had been living for.” Her public enthusiasm gave the impression that she was happy to support the salon’s promotions.

However, Green’s attitude changed dramatically after her employment ended in 2021. Upon leaving the salon, she learned that other models who had participated in similar campaigns had been paid, while she had not.

Injuries

Upon discovering that other models had been compensated, Green experienced severe psychological harm. She testified that the widespread use of her images, without her consent, caused mental anguish and emotional distress. The constant public recognition, resulting from the campaign’s reach, made her feel humiliated and ridiculed. These feelings were worsened by the fact that other models had been paid for their work, while she had received nothing. Green testified that this exploitation affected both her personal well-being and her professional reputation. She felt betrayed and taken advantage of by Goddess Lengths.

Damages

Green sought compensation for the emotional distress caused by the salon’s unauthorized use of her images in a Unauthorized Photos Lawsuit .

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Ada Green
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Malcolm O. Harrison, Jr.
  • Defendant(s): Goddess Lengths Hair Salon
    • Counsel for Defendants: Hiawatha Northingon, II| Gordon Rees | Terris C. Harris | Jeffrey M. Graves

 Claims

Green’s legal claims against Goddess Lengths focused on the unauthorized use of her likeness and the resulting emotional harm. She argued that the salon invaded her privacy by using her photos in their campaigns without securing proper authorization or paying her. Green testified that she had never signed a formal modeling contract and never received payment. She claimed the salon had exploited her image for commercial gain, causing her emotional distress.

Defense

Goddess Lengths defended its actions, arguing that Green had given implicit permission by publicly expressing excitement about the campaign on social media. The defense presented evidence of Green’s enthusiastic posts, where she celebrated her transition from a “walking billboard” to an actual one. They argued that these posts showed her willing participation and that her conduct implied consent.

The defense also highlighted Green’s active involvement in selecting the photos used in the campaign. They argued that her participation, combined with her public posts, indicated she had consented to the use of her images and benefited from the exposure. The salon’s legal team also contended that Green gained professional visibility from the advertisements, which enhanced her modeling portfolio.

Jury Verdict

After a four-day trial, on August 8, 2024, the jury in Jackson ruled in favor of Ada Green. They found that Goddess Lengths had used Green’s images without proper authorization and that this unauthorized use caused her significant emotional distress. The jury determined that the salon had failed to obtain proper consent and had exploited her images without paying her. The jury awarded Green $150,000 in damages in a Unauthorized Photos Lawsuit , which the court later confirmed in its judgment.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request