London, UK - July 31, 2017 - David Slater is a wildlife and conservation photographer who, while in Indonesia in 2011, obtained the photo deemed to become the 'monkey selfie'. Since Slater was recently reported to be broke and also considering giving up his career as a photographer, the public is rallying behind him through donations to a crowdfunding campaign.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) sued him in 2015 claiming that the monkey, not Slater, was the legal owner of the photos. Their argument is that since the monkey physically pressed the shutter itself, the monkey should be assigned copyright, and PETA should be appointed to administer all proceeds from those photos on the monkey's behalf. In 2016, a judge ruled against this argument. However, PETA has since filed an appeal and the case is currently being heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
“Everything I did to try and highlight the plight of the monkeys has backfired on my private life,” Mr Slater said. “I’ve had my life ruined”.
In spite of everything, he still feels “absolutely delighted” with the impact of the photos: “It has taken six years for my original intention to come true which was to highlight the plight of the monkeys and bring it to the world".
A crowdfunding campaign was recently set up online to help Slater, allowing like minded photographers and others sympathetic to his cause to provide their support. This campaign has already been shared by over 600 people, and raised over $1500. All funds are going directly to Slater, so that he can pay the legal costs of the case, can travel to attend the hearings, and most importantly, so that he doesn't have to give up on what he loves doing which is photography.
For more information, please visit: https://www.generosity.com/fundraising/help-david-slater-aka-monkey-selfie-photographer
Media Contact
Company Name: David Slater Support
Contact Person: Michel Estrebou
Email:Send Email
City: Buenos Aires
Country: Argentina
Website: www.generosity.com/fundraising/help-david-slater-aka-monkey-selfie-photographer
