Two Texas-based content creators, Alyssa Sheil, and Sydney Nicole Gifford, are embroiled in a legal dispute over alleged copyright infringement concerning their social media “aesthetic.” Gifford, who has a larger following, claims that Sheil copied her distinctive “neutral, beige, and cream aesthetic” in her posts.
Sheil’s attorneys, however, argue that her content is independently developed and not derived from Gifford’s work, seeking to dismiss several claims brought by Gifford.
Gifford’s lawsuit, filed in April, seeks financial compensation for damages, including lost profits and mental anguish. She also claims that Sheil blocked her on social media after a photo shoot collaboration and began posting similar content, featuring Amazon products with comparable styling and captions.
Sheil’s defense contends that blocking Gifford was due to alleged rude behavior and that the “clean girl” aesthetic used by both influencers is not original, citing its widespread popularity.
Texas Influencers Clash in Legal Battle Over Copyrighted Social Media ‘Aesthetic’
The lawsuit also highlights the overlap in the products both creators promote, particularly through Amazon’s affiliate marketing program. Gifford argues that Sheil’s Amazon Storefront page featured many of the same items as hers, implying deliberate imitation.
However, Sheil’s attorneys counter that similar brands often approach influencers with overlapping audiences and that the simultaneous promotion of products is coincidental and driven by brand marketing strategies.
Gifford reported numerous posts by Sheil to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Amazon, leading to the removal of some content. She claims that Sheil reposted infringing material even after the initial removal, prompting the lawsuit. Sheil’s legal team dismisses these accusations, framing the case as driven by jealousy over Sheil’s growing success on social media platforms.
In response, Gifford disputes Sheil’s narrative, asserting that Sheil sought advice on growing her TikTok presence during their interactions, indicating that any jealousy lies with Sheil. Gifford also challenges Sheil’s claims about the demographic makeup of her audience, which she says she cannot access. Gifford’s lawsuit may set a legal precedent for copyright issues in the content creation industry if it goes to trial.
The case underscores the broader tension in the influencer industry, where accusations of idea theft are common, often playing out publicly on social media. The outcome of this legal battle could clarify the boundaries of copyright protection in an industry where content and aesthetics frequently overlap, and originality is often debated.
