A guerrilla marketing campaign that spray painted graffiti all over San Francisco's sidewalks to promote Justin Bieber's chart-topping album, "Purpose," has infuriated the city attorney, according to Entertainment Weekly.
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera wrote to executives of Def Jam Records and Universal Music Group on Monday demanding their assistance in putting an end to the "illegal" graffiti and help "identify and punish those responsible" for it.
"This prohibited marketing practice illegally exploits our city's walkable neighborhoods and robust tourism; intentionally creates visual distractions that pose risks to pedestrians on busy rights of way; and irresponsibly tells our youth that likeminded lawlessness and contempt for public property are condoned and encouraged by its beneficiaries - including Mr. Bieber and the record labels that produce and promote him," Herrera said in the statement.
Herrera said that the "Purpose" graffiti, which has survived several rainstorms, is different from other graffiti marketing campaigns since they were made using stencils and permanent spray paint as opposed to chalk, according to Fox News.
Herrera added that he is looking to "resolve the full scope of wrongdoing and avoid civil litigation." Civil penalties could amount up to $2,500 for each violation, not taking into account remuneration for fees and costs of repair.
"Our sidewalks in San Francisco are not canvasses for corporate advertising, and we have made that clear. Yet these guerrilla marketers believe they are above the law when it comes to blighting our city and we will take a strong stand against them," said San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, according to the San Francisco Gate.
