Music festival urges public against profiting from George 'Fiji' Veikoso's name

Stakeholders of the Home Coming Festival have called members of the public to stop exploiting and profiting from unofficial merchandise featuring the image, likeness or name of the late George 'Fiji' Veikoso.

In a statement posted on social media on behalf of the family and estate of Mr Veikoso on Tuesday, the music festival organisers said no individual or brand had been authorised to produce, sell or distribute tribute merchandise honouring the acclaimed musician.

Mr Veikoso was billed to perform at the Homecoming Festival this September.

"It has been disheartening, distressing and offensive to see unauthorised merchandise being produced without approval or authorisation, with some bearing incorrect information, poor ing incorrect iniormation, poот design standards and implied or misleading brand collaborations being produced and sold to Fiji's fans and supporters," the statement read.

"All tribute projects or merchandise claiming official ties are not authorised and not only violate Copyright and Right to Publicity laws, but also the integrity of Fiji's legacy.

"Legal action may be pursued against anyone or any entity misusing George 'Fiji' Veikoso's name, likeness and or image.

"We ask that people stop exploiting and profiteering from the passing of our beloved George."

Official merchandise, which Mr Veikoso had worked on before his passing, along with other tribute merchandise approved by his family and estate, would soon be available on the Home Coming Festival website.

Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj