Landlord Files New Lawsuit Against Mile High, Performers Over Background Art

Landlord Files New Lawsuit Against Mile High, Performers Over Background Art

AQUINNAH, Mass. — A Martha’s Vineyard landlord who is currently suing Mile High Media and others in Massachusetts over the background art that can be seen in videos shot by a producer in her rental property, filed last week a second lawsuit arising from a judge’s decision during the first, ongoing lawsuit.

The new lawsuit filed by Leah Bassett — who describes herself as an artist and the creator of some of the works that can be seen in the background of a few adult videos distributed by the company — is now naming as co-defendants Mile High, Vivid, Gamma and a string of performers who appear in the videos.

Notably, unlike the previous lawsuit, the second filing does not name the two people who were previously named as responsible for the sets in question — now-retired producer and director Nica Noelle and her former collaborator, Joshua Darling.

The new lawsuit alleges copyright infringement against dozens of corporate and individual defendants, including noted adult performers in gay and trans content.

Bassett now alleges the new defendants “are each known or believed to have participated in the creation and/or the marketing and distribution/sales of those porn films and stills shot on Bassett’s premises.”

Regardless of the merits of Bassett’s case regarding her artwork appearing in those 2015 videos — currently being fought by Mile High on diverse grounds — if the new lawsuit were to be given merit, it would open the door for any performer in any adult or mainstream video content to be made liable for any allegation of copyright infringement for art shown in the background while they are performing.

A Seemingly Endless Saga

As XBIZ has reported, in her original 2018 complaint, Bassett — a sometime artist whose paintings decorated her Martha’s Vineyard rental property — had named Noelle and Darling; the distributor of their content, Mile High; and others as defendants, accusing them in a civil lawsuit of a laundry list of violations against herself (such as fraud and emotional distress), her property and her copyrighted art.

In May 2020, Judge Saris granted Mile High and the other co-defendants their motion to dismiss counts I (Breach of Contract), II (Trespass), III (Negligence), VI (Civil Fraud), X (Civil RICO) and XI (Defamation).

Bassett was allowed to continue the lawsuit on counts IV (Chapter 93A), V (Civil Conspiracy), VII (Infliction of Emotional and Mental Distress) and VIII (Interference with Contractual Relations).

That first trial is scheduled for August, 2021, after an August 2020 ruling that allowed Bassett to claim copyright on the artworks.

Details of the new lawsuit appeared in yesterday’s Cape Cod Times. “In a civil complaint filed on May 28 in U.S. District Court,” the local newspaper reported. “Bassett alleges that nearly 40 defendants — most of whom were not named in the previous lawsuit, including numerous actors known only by their stage names — variously violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act and the United States Copyright Act.”

“The complaint also alleges that the defendants' actions constituted civil conspiracy and inflicted ‘severe’ emotional and mental distress,” the Cape Cod Times explained.

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

Peachy Alice Fronts Latest From Immoral Productions

Peachy Alice stars in a new trilogy from Immoral Productions, alongside Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Jessi Rae Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Jessi Rae to an exclusive contract.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'The Party's Over'

Hazel Moore stars with Liz Jordan and Hailey Rose in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “The Party’s Over.”

Athena Heart Stars in Latest From TeamSkeet

Athena Heart stars with Jason Sarcinelli, Axel Haze, and Nick Strokes in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Violet Myers, Valentina Nappi Star in Latest From Brazzers

2025 XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Valentina Nappi and Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “V and V Share a Big D.”

2025 AltStar Awards Nominees Announced

Nominations have been announced for the 2025 AltStar Awards, aka the AltPorn Awards, presented by Bad Dragon.

Angela White Stars in New Interactive Scene From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with reigning and two-time XMAs Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in a new interactive release from Brazzers, titled “Taking Angela Back To Your Place.”

Marvin Love Directs 'Rich and Horny Weirdos' for Brazzers

Brazzers has released a new scene directed by Marvin Love, titled “Rich and Horny Weirdos.”

Julia James, Sage Hunter Topline 'Lesbian Sister In-Laws' Sequel

Julia James and Sage Hunter headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sister In-Laws 2.”

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From TeamSkeet

Jade Greene stars with Nicky Rebel in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Show More