Photographer in monkey-selfie lawsuit settles with PETA

14 September 2017

In one of the strangest copyright lawsuits ever, PETA has finally reached a settlement with photographer David Slater, now part owner of the world's most famous macaque selfie. The case, which has been reported widely in social and mainstream media, had its origins back in 2011 when Naruto, a curious macaque, grabbed Slater's camera and snapped a self portrait.

Under the terms of the settlement, Slater has agreed to contribute 25% of future revenue from the photo to the preservation of crested macaques.

The settlement came on Monday, before the federal appeals court could decide which party owns the photos. PETA’s lawyers asked the court to dismiss the case before finally settling outside the courtroom.

Despite considerable publicity, Naruto the Macaque, has produced very little in the way of photography since the famous 2011 snap. Rumours that Burberry have approached Naruto to shoot their new fragrance campaign, rather than wunderkind Brooklyn Beckham, have not been confirmed.

Naruto, an Indonesian Macaque, took this selfie in 2011 shortly after happening on wildlife photographer David Slater's camera. The image has been subject to a years-long copyright battle, which was resolved this week when Slater agreed to contribute 25% of future revenue to the preservation of crested macaques. David Slater and Naruto the Macaque via Wikimedia Commons.