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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Monkey Selfie

A monkey recently took a selfie that would make the Kardashians envious. Showcasing the primate’s bright orange eyes and wide smile, the image went viral. Now, it’s being used by Wikipedia -- without permission. The website argues that since the monkey took the shot, the photographer whose camera the monkey used is not owed anything.

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By Madeleine Brand • Aug 13, 2014 • 1 min read

A monkey recently took a selfie that would make the Kardashians envious. Showcasing the primate’s bright orange eyes and wide smile, the image went viral. Now, it’s being used by Wikipedia -- without permission. The website argues that since the monkey took the shot, the photographer whose camera the monkey used is not owed anything. We talk to the photographer, who is fighting back with a lawsuit.

This crested macaque took its own photo using a cable release in Indonesia. The owner of the camera, wildlife photographer David Slater, insists his copyrights should be respected.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Madeleine Brand

    Host, 'Press Play'

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Andrew Walsh

    Too Beautiful to Live

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Matt Holzman

    Producer, 'The Document'

  • KCRW placeholder

    David Slater

    Professional wildlife photographer

    News
Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand