Β© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL Β· 90.5 WUOL-FM Β· 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Nirvana Baby Sues Band

Kurt Weddle

You may not know the name Spencer Elden, but one of his baby pictures is quite famous. Elden was photographed as an infant for the cover of Nirvana's iconic album, Nevermind. Now he is suing the band as the album gets ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary,

At the time, 4-month-old Elden was the son of a friend of photographer Kurt Weddle. Geffen Records objected to Elden's penis being shown on the album cover, but Kurt Cobain reportedly insisted, saying if they had to censor the photo, the label could do so with a strategically placed sticker.

Elden has now filed a lawsuit against the surviving members of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain's estate, citing child sexual exploitation and saying his legal guardians did not give permission to use his image for the photo. He is suing for $150,000 claiming he has suffered lifelong damage as a result.

The lawsuit is in contrast to Elden's celebration of the album's 25th anniversary in 2016, where he recreated the image during a photoshoot. Five years ago, Elden was quoted as saying, β€œThe anniversary means something to me. It’s strange that I did this for five minutes when I was four months old and it became this really iconic image.”

Mel is the WFPK morning host. Email Mel at mfisher@lpm.org.

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.