The process that supports childish pornography on the Cover of Nevermind enters the final stretch; Understand the legal implications for Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic.
The album Snowmind (1991) Nirvana contains one of the most recognizable images in the history of music: a submerged naked child, swimming towards a note in dollars attached to a hook. The album, which increased the grunge to global celebrity, sold more than 30 million of copies all over the world. Now, the Baby cover, Spencer EldenHe moves a legal action by accusing the band and labels of child pornography and commercial sexual exploitation.
The disproportion between the amount paid by the image and the profit generated by the disc is the moral fuel of the process. The parents of Elden received about $ 200 for the tests that lasted only 15 seconds, as explained Spencer.
More than 30 years after the release, the photographed presented an action aimed at the entire value chain that benefited from the image, including the members who survived Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic.
The cause asked for US $ 150,000 (about $ 787 thousand in the current price) of compensation for each of the accused. The trial aims to consider the band and record labels responsible, including Universal Music Group, based on an interpretation of American law that classifies the “obscene exhibition of genitals” of a minor as child pornography. The judgment of 2025 It is essential, since it will not evaluate the merit of the porn accusation, but if the case can exceed the technical obstacle of the prescription and finally go to the trial.
Chronology of the process
The federal process started by Spencer Elden In 2021 he was prohibited in January 2022 by the Court of California. The defense of Nirvana He claimed that the state of the limitations had expired. Defense supported him, like Spencer Elden It was already an adult, he waited too long to say that the image had exploited him sexually.
To reverse this decision, the legal team of Spencer Elden He turned, supporting the thesis of continuous damage. This thesis states that with every new sale, streaming, digital distribution or reissue of the album SnowmindThe exploitation crime is perpetuated. If the Superior Court accepts this interpretation, the defense of Nirvana Based on the collapse of the prescription, allowing the case to advance a judgment on the merits.
One of the most controversial elements of the process is the ambiguous relationship of Spencer Elden with the cover itself. Although he said he had suffered sexual exploitation, he boasts the word “Snowmind“Tattooed in the chest and has participated in different recreations of the famous photo for the media over the years, often celebrating the birthdays of the album. 2025 will define if the case will be definitely closed or if the accused, including Dave Grohl AND Krist Novoselicthey will have to publicly defend themselves from the accusations.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
