Artist Daniel Arsham has filed a lawsuit against Quavo for copyright infringement and violation of right to publicity, after the Migos star featured one of his Ferrari sculptures in the “Trappa Rappa” promo video without legal permission.
On March 31, Arsham filed a complaint in Manhattan’s Southern District of New York, claiming that “infringing video features Quavo performing in front of the artwork” – Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT (2018), which is currently registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Alongside the teaser, Quavo posted still images that featured the sculpture on Instagram, and tagged Arsham’s account.
Arsham and his legal team sent cease-and-desist letters to Quavo, Quality Control Music, and its parent company, HYBE America, in December 2024, when the content in question was originally posted, and again in January 2025, according to a recent ARTnews report. While the video was eventually taken down from YouTube and Instagram, it remains available on the rapper’s TikTok page.
“By failing to obtain Mr. Arsham’s authorization to use the Artwork or to compensate Mr. Arsham for the use,” the complaint reads, noting that the defendants “have avoided payment of license fees and other financial costs associated with obtaining permission to exploit the artwork, as well as the restrictions that Mr. Arsham is entitled to and would place on any such exploitation as conditions for Mr. Arsham’s permission, including the right to deny permission.”
An alleged move to “capitalize on” the artist’s name and reputation for Quavo’s “own financial gain,” Arsham is suing on the grounds of direct, vicarious, and contributory copyright infringement, and seeks a permanent injunction to block further use of the artwork, as well as monetary damages and profits earned from the unauthorized use.
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