Remember Fiji Water Girl? The model not-so-discretely photobombing A-list celebs on the red carpet at the Golden Globes? How could anyone forget. She made headlines after the red carpet photos surfaced — her iconic model pose, blue dress, and tray full of Fiji water bottles made for the funniest commentary, memes, and stories online. We all wished we were as gutsy and inconspicuous around celebrities as she was in that moment. Kelleth Cuthbert (who’s real name is Kelly Steinbach… interesting), said model, was and likely still is only referred to as Fiji Water Girl. Imagine having such a legacy attached to you — it truly seems like such an honor.
But recently, that doesn’t seem to be the case for Cuthbert. Outlets are reporting that Cuthbert is actually suing Fiji Water Company. What?! But she’s Fiji Water Girl! How could this be? Reportedly, the company “created an unauthorized marketing campaign based off the viral sensation she created at the Golden Globes,” according to The Blast. To be fair, that does sound extremely shady. But we are just a tad confused about the whole thing. Didn’t she seem like she was thoroughly enjoying her claim to fame?
I guess not, because this lawsuit sounds pretty serious. Not only is she suing Fiji Water Company, but she’s also filing a suit against The Wonderful Company, Fiji’s parent company. Yikes.
See! All was well in early January when she posted this photo to her Instagram feed.
Fiji Water is fighting back against the Fiji Water Girl, and claim she violated their contract.https://t.co/hVHEhbMV4D
— The Blast (@TheBlastNews) January 31, 2019
And then this happened.
Just one day after that photo, Fiji was trying to negotiate a contract with her agent, The Blast reported. Supposedly, a cardboard cutout of Cuthbert as Fiji Water Girl was spotted the next day in a photo of John Legend at a grocery store. Fiji allegedly attempted to use the cutout as advertisement for their brand without her consent. They wanted to use her hype from the Golden Globes to push their product.
The photo in question… (Also hi, John Legend! Tell Chrissy we love her.)
But she profiting from Fiji first? I mean she is called “Fiji” water girl. https://t.co/SRTtpLIRW0
— Aisha (@aishamihuna) February 1, 2019
Some think that this is something of a non-issue, since she’s definitely gained a lot thanks to Fiji.
What if @FIJIWater made me a water girl, I wouldn't sue! pic.twitter.com/74uamc8r80
— reenafriedmanwatts (@reenareena) January 31, 2019
Others would love to take Cuthbert’s place as Fiji Water Girl.
Some interesting insight, to say the least.
There are also claims in the suit that say Cuthbert was urged “into video recording a fake signing of a fake document to simulate Steinbach signing on as a Fiji Water Ambassador.” Honestly, this is getting super wild. It sounds like a lot of sketchy behavior from Fiji, but Cuthbert could also be scheming for something major herself. Who knows? (No, seriously — who has these answers?)
I can't wait for the dueling Netflix/Hulu docs about the Fiji Water Girl https://t.co/9SYj0V0DJ3
— Britt Rivera (@kindamoviesnob) January 31, 2019
Britt seems to have some ideas on what happens next!
Remember when people thought the Fiji Water girl was going to be a thing for more than 30 hours? #TBT
— Allie Brady (@allie_brady) January 31, 2019
Well, she’s going to be a thing for much longer after this, probably.
We’re not too sure about that after what’s currently happening.
Fiji actually responded to these allegations by telling The Blast, “This lawsuit is frivolous and entirely without merit. After the Golden Globes social media moment, we negotiated a generous agreement with Ms. Cuthbert that she blatantly violated.” They’re also saying they are fairly confident they will win this case, since they have lots of positive relationships with talent as a company.
Excuse me, is that a cupholder specifically for Fiji Water?! https://t.co/RoFrt6d5aP
— Noah Zark 444 (@NoahsArk25) February 1, 2019
Some celebs literally plan the functionality of their home around bottles of Fiji.
This user is confidently pro-Cuthbert.
poor baby... Maybe she shouldn't have photobombed the celebs so her likeness wouldn't have been made without her knowledge
— Jeanne Bianco (@JeanneB1962) February 1, 2019
This sounds… condescending? So it comes across as very pro-Fiji.
Pay her...ok? Read this... she did her job, ...then they decided to capitalize on it and didn't pay her. Smh.
— SunnyAnderson (Taylor's Version😘) (@SunnyAnderson) February 1, 2019
Golden Globes Fiji Water model is suing the brand: https://t.co/sdHOcCYJKR
Very fair points! I think Cuthbert has a chance, for sure.
If things end badly, what’s going to happen to this great Instagram account?
Take your legacy back 2019!!! We can get behind this movement.
We’re definitely looking forward to seeing how all of this turns out — the fate of Fiji Water Girl depends on it.
