The Pepe Controversy
The Origin
Illegal appropriation of Pepe the Frog
In 2017, Jessica Logsdon (known as @USARTStar on Twitter) began gaining attention for posting and selling oil paintings that conveyed alt-right messages, incorporating imagery of Pepe the Frog. These paintings were made available for purchase through her personal website.
The Legal Battle
Copyright Infringement Claims
Matt Furie could not bear to see the image of Pepe being used to promote violence and hate. In his own words, “Pepe is a peaceful frog who represents togetherness and fun—not hate.” He explicitly expressed concern over Pepe’s association with the alt-right, specifically referencing an oil painting titled “Alt-Right” featuring the image of Pepe that was displayed and sold on Jessica Logsdon’s website.
The Letter
Art, Politics, and Copyright Collision
Motivated by a desire to preserve the peaceful nature of Pepe’s character, Furie, through his legal representatives, issued a cease-and-desist letter to Logsdon on September 15, 2017. The letter outlined her unauthorized use of the character, specifically highlighting an oil painting entitled "Alt-Right", which featured the image of Pepe, and described this use as harmful to Pepe’s image and in violation of copyright law.
The Consequences
Jessica's Response
Both parties agreed to settle the legal dispute, with each side bearing their own legal costs. Jessica Logsdon had to acknowledge that she had infringed upon Furie’s copyright and committed to cease using the image of Pepe in her artwork. Matt Furie did not seek financial compensation, instead focusing on reclaiming control over his character and dissociating it from messages of hate — a goal he successfully achieved.
The Token
Alt-Right Pepe
The “Alt-Right” Pepe oil painting by Jessica Logsdon holds a unique place in Pepe’s history, it’s the only known artwork that Matt Furie’s officially recognized as an unauthorized derivative, leading him to take legal action in 2017. This lawsuit wasn’t just about copyright; it marked a turning point in reclaiming Pepe’s image from hate groups.
Because of that, the Alt-Right Pepe became one of the most historically significant versions of the meme, it's a symbol of the battle over who controls a cultural icon. It's not just another Pepe; it’s the one that sparked Furie’s legal defense of his creation.
