30 Models Claim Chicago Strip Club Misappropriated Their Pics

30 Models Claim Chicago Strip Club Misappropriated Their Pics

CHICAGO — Thirty female models have filed a federal lawsuit against Chicago’s Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club, claiming that it used their photos on Facebook to advertise, promote and market the club without their permission.

Each of the 30 plaintiffs named in the suit have a background rich in social media and commercially exploit their glamourous looks. Included in the list of plaintiffs in the suit filed at Chicago federal court is Carmen Electra, the famous American model, TV personality, singer and dancer.

In 2013, “Electra’s image was uploaded to Atlantis’s Facebook page with intent to promote and market Atlantis strip club,” the lawsuit said. “The caption next to the image of Electra advertised, ‘Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club.’ The use of this image falsely implied that Electra represents Atlantis strip club and that she authorized Atlantis to use her image for promotional and marketing purposes.”

Each of the 30 women allege that AEG Ventures LLC, dba Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club, used their photos, likenesses and identities. As a result, they claim Atlantis violates the Lanham Act and the Illinois Right of Publicity Act.

The club, which serves up full nudity and full liquor (a rarity), opened in 2008 as a “Vegas Style” venue with “elegant entertainers.”

“Much more than merely a misuse in connection with an innocuous brand or event, defendant embarrassed plaintiffs by associating their images with Atlantis,” the suit said.

“In the end, defendant gained an economic windfall by using the images of professional and successful models for defendant own commercial purposes, luring and enticing patrons worldwide to view the images and visit Atlantis, without having to compensate the models for such usage. Plaintiffs, however, sustained injury to their images, brands, and marketability by shear affiliation with Atlantis, [a strip] club.”

The club “is an unapologetic, chronic and habitual infringer,” the 389-page lawsuit said. “Defendant never sought consent or authority to use any of the plaintiffs’ images for any purpose. No plaintiff ever agreed, nor would any plaintiff have agreed, to defendant’s use of her image, likeness, and/or identity.”

Other plaintiffs include models Sara Underwood and Lucy Pinder who, along with Electra, have sued other adult clubs for allegedly poaching photos to make an extra buck.

At XBIZ post time the club’s Facebook page does not resolve. The club did not respond immediately to an email request for comment.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Hentaied Debuts Final Rae Lil Black Scene

Hentaied has released recently retired performer Rae Lil Black's final scene, titled "The Monster Slayer."

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Ryan Keely Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Ryan Keely stars with Victor Cruz in the latest release from New Sensations.

Zariah Aura Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Kenna James in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Feeling Her Way."

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Brittney Kade Fronts 'Couples Loving Trans 2' From GenderX

Brittney Kade stars with Adira Allure and Sage Roux in the second volume of GenderX Films' "Couples Loving Trans," directed by Jim Powers.

Eve Sweet Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Eve Sweet has made her Brazzers debut alongside Xander Corvus in “Horny Gymnast.”

Show More