PETA Statement: ‘Monkey Selfie’ Case Settled

For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2017

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA has reached a settlement of the “monkey selfie” lawsuit, in which the group sought to establish the macaque Naruto as the copyright owner of the internationally famous “monkey selfie” photographs that he undeniably took with photographer David Slater’s unattended camera in 2011.

PETA’s appeal of the case on Naruto’s behalf is being dismissed, and Slater has agreed to donate 25 percent of any future gross revenue that he derives from using or selling any or all of the monkey selfies to registered charities dedicated to protecting the welfare or habitat of Naruto and other crested macaques in Indonesia.

The following statement is a response from general counsel to PETA Jeff Kerr:

PETA’s groundbreaking case sparked a massive international discussion about the need to extend fundamental rights to animals for their own sake, not in relation to how they can be exploited by humans. Thanks to this settlement, sales of the photographs that Naruto indisputably took will help protect and support him, his community of macaques, and their Indonesian home.

And this is a joint statement between PETA and Slater:

PETA and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for non-human animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal. As we learn more about Naruto, his community of macaques, and all other animals, we must recognize appropriate fundamental legal rights for them as our fellow global occupants and members of their own nations who want only to live their lives and be with their families. To further these goals, David Slater will donate 25% of future gross revenue from the Monkey Selfie photographs to charitable organizations dedicated to protecting and improving the welfare and habitat of Naruto and crested black macaques in Indonesia.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.” More information about our work is available at PETA.org.