FLORIDA ‘ A federal court ruling late last year that minors have the ability to consent to the use of their images could have broad implications for journalists.
The court ruled that the producers of Girls Gone Wild did not violate the rights of then 17-year-old Veronica Lane when they used footage of her exposed breasts in their videos. Lane sued Mantra Films, the video series’ producers, for unauthorized publication and false light, invasion of privacy.
The court said Lane consented to the use of her image by exposing herself and that her young age did not invalidate the consent. ‘Florida law has never recognized that a minor is incapable of consenting to publication of her image and likeness where no compensation is involved,’ the court said.
Thomas Julin, Mantra Films attorney, said the case establishes that minors can decide to give consent.
Lane v. MRA Holdings, 242 F.Supp.2d 1205 (M.D.Fla. 2002)