Either way, now he has decided that is not the case and wants retribution. He is after damages of at least a cool $150k from each of the 15 Defendants, including Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Kurt Cobain’s estate among others for the “ extreme and permanent emotional distress”, “ interference with his normal development and educational progress” and “ medical and psychological treatment” which he claims to have had to endure as a result of the use of the photograph.Įlden apparently used to think differently, having previously been quoted as saying that the photograph has “ always been a positive thing and opened doors” for him. A bit of a stretch if you ask me.Įlden also alleges that Nirvana had promised to cover up his meat and two veg with a sticker but failed to do so.

However, Elden’s lawyers allege that the fact that a dollar bill can also be seen in the photograph makes the baby seem “like a sex worker”. Under US law, non-sexualised images of young children are typically not seen as child pornography. “The images exposed Spencer’s intimate body part and lasciviously displayed Spencer’s genitals from the time he was an infant to the present day…” Elden has issued legal proceedings in California and the papers state: He also claims that the photograph constitutes child pornography. Spencer Elden alleges that this parents never signed a release authorising the use of his image on the album. Well, that baby eventually grew up and is now suing the band for sexual exploitation. The album cover was equally iconic, depicting a baby in a swimming pool, reaching for a dollar bill dangling in front of him on a fishing hook.

I am sure most of you are familiar with Nirvana’s classic album Nevermind, featuring such classics as Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come as You Are.

Nirvana nevermind cover picture