Metal Anarchy

According to Rolling Stone, photographer Katarina Benzova has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Guns N’ Roses. On top of that, Benzova has also accused the band’s manager, Fernando Lebeis, of sexual harassment.

Benzova decided to file the suit after Guns N’ Roses filed a complaint in response to her attempts to gain ownership of photos she took of the band during a 12-year stint as a freelancer. The group claim she has “no ownership interest in the copyright to the subject photographs and videos.”

Benzova was said to have photographed about 364 shows between 2010 to 2022. However, much of that time was “uncontracted.” Benzova claims at least 145 photos taken during the “uncontracted period” were reproduced and commercialized without her authorization or consent.

Benzova also claimed that the band and their management repeatedly “infringed” on her copyrights and that Lebeis even tried to tell her that “she didn’t need credit because everyone already knew that she was the photographer of Guns N’ Roses.” Benzova, who is currently seeking to be named as the “sole owner” of her work, also said Lebeis would “gaslight” and “psychologically manipulate” her when it came to ownership of the photos in question.

On top of that, Benzova also accused Lebeis of sexual harassment. She says Lebeis made numerous unwanted sexual advances towards her. The disturbing instances were said to have started in 2016, when he tried to “force her to kiss him.” From there, it progressively got worse. Lebeis allegedly told her “he loved her on more than 500 instances” and would send her graphic and lewd messages. She also claims he attempted to pressure her into sex in 2018, while touching and “trying to force himself” on her.

Benzova went on to say that after she rejected Lebeis, he retaliated by withholding compensation, forcing her to stay in cheap hotels, and making her pay for flights that were supposed to be covered. He also reportedly kept her from getting credit for her work.

For their part, Guns N’ Roses issued the following statement:

“Ms. Benzova was initially contracted to provide tour photography services for Guns N’ Roses in 2010. She worked with the band for 12 years and was paid and treated extraordinarily well. It was only after her services were discontinued in 2022 that she attempted to claim ownership in photos, which her contract clearly states are owned by the band. The band takes these types of claims very seriously, however, all evidence establishes these accusations are categorically and unequivocally false. This response from her comes after the band initiated suit against Ms. Benzova for falsely asserting ownership in the photos of the band.”