Sofia Vergara has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against beauty company Venus Concept, claiming that the brand is using her name and likeness without her permission. The Modern Family actress is asking for $15m in damages.
Vergara used a Venus Concept treatment back in August 2014. She posted a picture of herself using the Venus Legacy machine on Instagram as she got ready to attend the Emmy Awards. With a picture of Marilyn Monroe in the background, Vergara captioned the image: “What is so funny Marilyn?? Legacy massage at @drlancerrx” (pictured below).
Since then, according to the court papers filed, Venus Concept has been using images of Vergara and the actress’ name to promote its products online and at trade shows.
Vergara, who has a number of endorsement deals with beauty brands including Covergirl and Head and Shoulders, says that her image was used without her consent. According to People magazine: “[She] tried the Legacy treatment, but ultimately did not like it, finding that it was a waste of time and money with little in the way of results.”
According to People the court documents state that: “[Vergara] would not use it again and certainly would not endorse it nor agree to appear in an international advertisement campaign to promote it.”