July 16, 2010 0:39

Vampire Weekend being sued by 'Contra' cover star for $2 million

Kirsten Kennis claims the photograph of her was used without consent

Photo Gallery: Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend are being sued for $2 million (£1.3 million) by the cover star of their second album 'Contra'.

Released earlier this year, the album featured a photo of Ann Kirsten Kennis taken in 1983 by photographer Tod Brody on its cover.

Also used to spearhead a marketing campaign to promote the album, the photo caused much speculation as to her identity after the image appeared as an online advert, as well as on fly posters around the UK.

As TMZ.com reports, Kennis filed a lawsuit on Wednesday (July 14) with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming that the signature on the release form – which would allow the band to use the image – was forged.

Going on to explain she had no idea the photograph was being used on the album cover, she added that she blamed the group for not verifying the legitimacy of her signature on the release.

The band or photographer have yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Vampire Weekend are set to headline this weekend's Latitude Festival on Sunday (July 18). See NME.COM for updates live from the site throughout this year's event.