Melissa Midwest Joins $4.5B Class Suit Against Match.com

NEW YORK — Adult web model Melissa Midwest has joined a class action lawsuit against Match.com, claiming that the dating site allowed her copyrighted photos to be used on bogus profiles in order to boost its profits.

The class suit, first filed in November by Miami mainstream model Yuliana Avalos, has yet to be certified by the court, but is asking for $4.5 billion in compensatory and punitive damages and a restraining order requiring Match.com to implement facial recognition software to screen for unauthorized use of class members' photos, as well as attorneys fees.

The suit, filed at New York federal court, accuses Match.com and affiliated sites of representing to subscribers that Midwest was and is a member of its websites, along with thousands of other models and others "who were never members of defendants'  online dating websites."

"Melissa's fake profiles and those of the proposed class are the reason most people join or re-subscribe to Match's 25 dating sites and are accountable for the majority of time members spend on defendant's sites," the amended class suit said.

MelTech Inc., the owner of Midwest's copyrighted photographs, has received thousands of complaints from American romance scam victims over the past six-plus years, the suit said, further alleging that hundreds of victims were defrauded out of millions as a result of fake profiles on Match.com and defendants People Media websites.

"While Match masquerades as the premiere dating site network in the U.S., the reality is that the majority of profiles posted are fraudulent profiles created by Match and third parties, including the Yahoo Boys in Nigeria and Ghana," the suit said.

Midwest's suit alleges that other adult web stars may have fallen victims to Match.com's alleged practices.

The suit identifies fake profiles with accompanying images depicting Raven Riley, Lana Brooke, Cassandra aka Princess Blueyez, Megan QT, "Next Door" Nikki and Josie "Model, among others, on the site.

All told, the suit said, there are 1,084 fake profile usernames created on the site; 997 profiles have yet to be identified.

View Midwest's amended class complaint

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More