Taylor Swift accused of using artist's image without permission

Singer Taylor Swift has been accused of using an artist's image without permission to promote her 1989 album.

Artist Ally Burguieres has written an open letter to the Shake It Off star, revealing her shock at noticing her popular fox image was being used on Swift's social media pages.

"While I wondered why no one had sought permission or offered compensation to do so, I recognized that such endorsement is a once-in-a-lifetime boost for an artist and can skyrocket an artist's career," the artist writes.

Burguieres claims she reached out to Swift's management officials about the image and received a four-figure payout, but they insisted the cash would have to be donated to charity and Ally would not receive credit for the picture.

"My efforts to combat the pirated and unauthorized copy (and your use and distribution of it to millions of people) were noticed, as you removed the post after several days," she continues. "But the copy had been shared and downloaded countless times, and it seemed neither you nor your team intended on correcting the mistake."

"Taylor, as a professional, would you agree to such terms...," she adds. "My work is my living - it is how I pay bills and support my family and employees... I simply hope to see your actions fall more in line with the values you claim to hold."

In other news, Taylor celebrated her 26th birthday on Sunday (13Dec15) with boyfriend Calvin Harris in a Christmas themed bash.

The couple was seen posing with Mr and Mrs Claus in a Snapchat posted by the 31-year-old British record producer's colleague DJ Snake.

The pair has been dating since the early part of this year after reportedly meeting at the Brit Awards.