Success Kid's Mom Threatens To Sue Steve King

Conservative Iowa congressman Steve King, whose controversial statements have sparked numerous online backlashes, recently attempted to fundraise in the name of using memes to Trigger the Libs. Now the memes have fought back.

Steve King's Facebook page features a hefty dose of Impact font Turning Point USA memes, and recently the congressman posted a fundraising ad featuring one of the all-time great Impact memes, Success Kid.

White nationalist Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is asking for money "to make sure the memes keep flowing and the Lefties stay triggered." pic.twitter.com/TW7HdTXkd0

— Eric Hananoki (@ehananoki) January 23, 2020

Laney Marie Griner, the mother of Success Kid Sam Griner, has sent a cease and desist to King, alleging King is willfully infringing her copyright in the image and violating her son's likeness rights by using the meme in his fundraising efforts.

Just so it’s clear – I have/would never give permission for use of my son’s photo to promote any agenda of this vile man or that disgusting party. https://t.co/AVdl9dxXCs

— Laney Griner (@laneymg) January 23, 2020

Griner's attorney, Stephen Rothschild, wrote in the cease and desist:

"You have a record of vitriolic criticism of individuals who belong to protected classes or disadvantaged groups, or who support legal rights that you condemn. The majority of U.S. consumers reject your political and other views, often vehemently, as they have a right to do. Those people may be repelled by any association with your politics and campaign and, therefore, unwilling to purchase products from legitimate licensees of the 'Success Kid' meme, an association you have unilaterally and unlawfully imposed."

King's team has until Wednesday, 9:00 A.M. PST to remove the image. As of 2:00 P.M. EST Tuesday, the post has been removed from King's page. The entire cease-and-desist can be read at The Hollywood Reporter.