Hawaii Investor Defends Against Claims of Misusing Shohei Ohtani's Image

October 2, 2025 - 07:59

Lawyers representing a Hawaii-based real estate investor have firmly denied allegations of improper use of Shohei Ohtani's likeness in connection with a recent development project. The legal dispute centers around claims that the investor used the image of the Los Angeles Dodgers star without authorization.

In a statement, the investor's legal team asserted that all actions taken were within the bounds of the law and that they had not engaged in any activities that would constitute misuse of Ohtani's image. The investor maintains that the project is legitimate and that any association with the baseball player was purely coincidental or misinterpreted.

The case highlights the growing concerns surrounding the use of celebrity likenesses in commercial ventures, especially in an age where image rights are increasingly protected. As the situation unfolds, both parties are expected to present their arguments in court, shedding light on the complexities of image rights in the sports and entertainment industries.