A U.S. district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the band Nirvana, brought by Spencer Elden, who was photographed as a baby for the cover of the band's iconic 1991 album, "Nevermind." Elden, now 34, was just four months old when his parents, friends of photographer Kirk Weddle, allowed him to be used for the cover shoot. The famous image features Elden swimming naked, reaching for a dollar bill on a fishhook, which was added digitally later.

The album went on to sell over 40 million copies, making the cover art a significant part of music history. For many years, Elden embraced his identity as the "Nirvana baby," enjoying the attention that came with it. However, in 2020, he shifted his perspective, claiming he was a victim of child pornography due to the album cover.

Elden's lawsuit alleged that the image constituted child exploitation. He sought an investigation from the FBI, which reportedly told him they could not assist and wished him "good luck." Following this, he filed a civil suit against Geffen Records, the estate of Kurt Cobain, and others involved in the album's production.

In 2023, Judge Fernando Olguin dismissed the lawsuit, citing that the statute of limitations had expired. Elden's legal team appealed, arguing that each viewing of child pornography represents a continuation of the victim's abuse. The Ninth Circuit Court agreed, allowing the case to proceed.

However, Judge Olguin ultimately dismissed the case again, this time on the grounds that the album cover did not meet the legal definition of child pornography. This ruling has been met with relief from record buyers, as it clarifies the legal standing of the iconic image.