Back in 1991, Nirvana released one of the most popular albums of all time. 

Nevermind  sold over 30 million copies, and the album is still making headlines today. 

Because the naked baby featured on the cover of it is suing the surviving members of the band, along with the estate of Kurt Cobain and Geffen Records because he claims the band violated federal child pornography statutes. 

Simply put, the band profiled off his naked image and the now 31 year old Spencer Elden believes that constitutes child sexual exploitation. 

In the lawsuit, Elden claims to have suffered “lifelong damages” from that album cover.  He said his legal guardians never signed a release that would have allowed the image to be used. 

He’s even suing for distribution of private sexually explicit materials, negligence, and the documents describe another claim of “Sex trafficking venture.”  

What is Elden looking for? He’s seeking damages, attorney fees, an induction that prohibits all parties “from continuing to engage in the unlawful acts and practices described herein.”

He’s looking for a trial by jury. 

How was a young Spencer even chosen to be on the cover? His father was friends with the photographer on the shoot. Back in 2008, Spencer’s father told NPR that the photographer called him up and asked him if wanted to make $200 for throwing his kid into the water. That’s essentially all Spencer’s father Rick really knew about the shoot according to him. 

The photo was taken at the pool at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. 

For a long time Elden wasn’t upset about being involved in the iconic photo, and even had “Nevermind” tatted on his chest.  But in 2016, he told GQ Australia “I’m pissed off about it, to be honest.”

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