We've all been in the situation when you're passionate about a subject, but can't quite find the ways to articulate your passion and therefore rely on the words of someone else to do the job for you.
But, you might think twice before using someone else's words online in future as Hailey Baldwin has had to learn the hard way.
Cast your mind back to last month when Justin Bieber asked fans to stop being horrible to his new girlfriend Sofia Richie on Instagram. Following the post, Selena Gomez reportedly commented: 'If you can't handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend.'
In true Bieber fashion, he couldn't keep quiet and told Gomez: 'It's funny to see people that used me for attention and still try to point the finger this way.'
Taking the 'mature' route, Justin's other ex, model Hailey Baldwin, chimed in with a cryptic message on her own Instagram with a quote that read: 'Misplacing the blame onto someone else isn't going to get you to the next stage in life, so try not to manipulate a situation to make yourself look better.'
Wise words, Hailey. Although, they weren't Hailey's words to write.
In fact, they were the words of Long Island writer Melissa Molomo, who is now suing the 19-year-old for sharing her words without attribution, according to Page Six.
In a cease and desist letter to Baldwin – who has since deleted her Instagram post – Molomo's lawyer says: 'In copying and using Ms. Molomo's work without permission, you have taken credit and caused confusion as to whom the original author of this work is.'
Page Six reports Molomo wants a public apology from Balwin and could earn a whopping six-figure sum in damages.
Maybe just use the Repost app next time, Hailey?
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
