Guns N’ Roses Axl Rose is currently on tour with AC/DC, covering for Brian Johnson after the singer suffered major hearing loss.
It seems the tour isn’t taking up too much of his time however, as it’s been reported that he has sent a cease and desist to Google demanding the removal of photos and memes poking fun at his weight.
According to TorrentFreak, Rose is demanding the removal of photos and memes poking fun at his weight. The photos in question were taken by Boris Minkevich for Winnipeg Free Press in 2010.
“Copyright image of Axl Rose. Please be advised that no permission has been granted to publish the copyright image so we cannot direct you to an authorized example of it,” according to notices sent by Web Sheriff on behalf of Rose.
TorrentFreak have also received a statement from Web Sheriff which says that Rose owns the copyright of the photo, even though he didn’t take it himself.
“We can gladly confirm that all official / accredited photographers at [Axl Rose] shows sign-off on ‘Photography Permission’ contracts / ‘Photographic Release’ agreements which A. specify and limit the manner in which the photos can be exploited and B. transfer copyright ownership in such photos to AR’s relevant service company.”
Google is yet to take the images down.