Here's why you should be able to control your own images
According to ABC News, 57-year-old Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram on Sept. 15, sharing a quote that read: "Sometimes you have to be the bigger guy... even if you're a woman!"
It was not coincidental that the caption was posted the same day Drake released his latest single, "Slime You Out," featuring SZA, with his own post on his social media featuring a photo of Berry being drenched in green slime at the 2012 Kids' Choice Awards.
It's clear that Halle is not happy about the photo. She also made it clear that she did not want to be associated with the single, but the problem is, she really doesn't have a say in the matter... because she doesn't own the photo.
When another social media user asked what Halle's problem was due to the subliminal message, Ms. Berry responded,"Didn't get my permission. That's not cool I thought better of him!"
But again... although it is a picture OF her, it is not OWNED by her.
The above image is owned by Getty Images, Drake indeed contacted Getty Images and received the proper licensing rights to use the photo. But the Berry's displeasure didn't stop when this fact was pointed out either.
She went on to explain, He did have his people call my people and I said NO I didn't like that image of slime all over my face in association with his song. And he chose to do it anyway! You see…that is the disrespect. Not cool!" Followed by another response that said "Why ask if you intend to do what you want to do! That was the f*** you to me. Not cool. You get it?"
This is a classic case of "It's better to apologize later than ask first." It would have been less messy for Drake to not have contacted Berry at all, if he knew regardless he was going to use the photo, but I completely understand that attempt at giving her some respect initially (under the assumption that you thought she would say yes).
What does this mean to you, just because you are in the photo, does not mean that you ownership rights, or any vested interest whatsoever is exactly what happens with that photo. The photographer, or owner of the images has an authoritative say so in the use of that photo. If you don't want anyone to be able to use a photo of you, don't allow the photo to be taken or request ahead of time that the photographer release all vested interest in the photo before the photo is taken.
We still love ya, Halle!