Bodybuilder Sion Monty Finds His Photos Used Without Permission by Longevity Wellness Clinic

A bodybuilder documented his weight loss journey on social media, gaining followers on Instagram. A wellness clinic used his photos on its website to promote its programs without his consent and falsely claimed one of its trainers had worked with him. After contact from the BBC, the clinic removed the images, apologized, and dismissed the trainer.

The bodybuilder began his fitness journey after gaining weight. He qualified as a nutritionist and helped clients with weight loss.

His fitness routine declined after the birth of his son in 2018, leading to weight gain. A family photo motivated him to resume training. He documented his transformation on YouTube and Instagram, reducing his weight and building a following on Instagram.

The bodybuilder posted a before-and-after photo on Instagram, which later appeared on the website of a wellness clinic. The clinic used the images to promote its programs without permission. The website also stated that one of its trainers had worked with him, a claim the bodybuilder said was false.

The bodybuilder contacted the clinic upon discovering the use of his photos. The clinic initially claimed the trainer had assisted him. The bodybuilder noted that this was not the first instance of his images being misused online.

After the BBC contacted the clinic, the company removed the photos from its website and issued an apology. The clinic stated that the trainer who supplied the images had been dismissed. A spokesperson for the clinic said the agency managing the website confirmed the deletion, though changes might take up to 24 hours to propagate.

The experience highlights issues of image misuse in the health and fitness industry. Individuals sharing personal transformations online face risks of unauthorized use by businesses. Legal recourse for such cases may involve copyright claims, though outcomes depend on jurisdiction and evidence of permission.