Morrissey warns US clothing brand Supreme over ad photo

Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has hit out at a leisurewear company for apparently using an image of him to advertise their product.

The outspoken singer, known for hits such as Bigmouth Strikes Again, has long fought against what he says is the unauthorised use of his image and music.

The Manchester-raised vegan said he had instructed lawyers to warn American skating brand Supreme not to use a picture of his face because of his concerns over their links to the burger industry.

The animal rights activist, whose 1985 song Meat Is Murder regularly forms part of his solo set, released statements on his True To You fan site.

He said: "I considered the photograph to be fit only for a medical encyclopaedia and I pleaded with Supreme not to use it. This was before I learned that Supreme were sponsored in part by the beef sandwich pharaoh known as White Castle.

"Supreme were issued with a legal caution not to use the photograph and their fee would be returned."

He added: "As a matter of fact, I do not have, do not want, nor do I need, any money from the company called Supreme.

"If Supreme have sent money in my name then they could track it down and reclaim it - if they had NOT printed that photograph of me for their 2016 campaign.

"By running prints of the photograph they have derailed their own negotiations. This is why they are angry.

"Supreme were warned by my lawyer and accountant that the photograph should NOT be used. Supreme ignored this advice. Hence this mess.

"I write these statements because there is no one else to write them."

Morrissey has been known to ban fast food outlets from cooking meat during festivals at which he is performing, having stormed off stage at Coachella in 2009. He said at the time: "I can smell burning flesh ... and I hope to God it's human."