Spencer Pratt Challenges Nithya Raman Campaign Ad
The television personality alleges the mayoral candidate used unauthorized film footage in a recent advertisement.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Spencer Pratt has publicly accused Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman of using illegal in-theater film footage within a campaign advertisement. The ad reportedly splices footage of Mayor Karen Bass with clips featuring Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding campaign communications and media usage during the final days of the Los Angeles mayoral runoff election. Candidates are increasingly under pressure to ensure that all visual materials comply with copyright and licensing standards.
The disputed campaign advertisement incorporates interview footage which Nithya Raman's X account credited to KNX News. This development comes as the Los Angeles mayoral runoff election is scheduled to occur this coming Tuesday.
The players
Spencer Pratt
He is a television personality who is known for his appearances on reality programs and his active presence on social media platforms.
Nithya Raman
She is a candidate for the office of Mayor of Los Angeles and currently serves in a local government capacity.
Karen Bass
She is the incumbent Mayor of Los Angeles and is seeking re-election in the upcoming mayoral runoff.
Nathan Fielder
He is a comedian and television producer recognized for his unique documentary-style comedy projects.
Elizabeth Holmes
She is a former technology executive who gained significant public attention following high-profile legal proceedings.
The details
The campaign advertisement includes footage filmed inside a movie theater that was not part of an official film trailer or teaser. The ad also features a spliced interview with Mayor Karen Bass alongside content involving Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Spencer Pratt posted his criticism of the campaign ad on X.
November 2026: The runoff election for the Los Angeles mayor is scheduled to take place.
February 2027: The earliest scheduled opening for the 2.25-mile LAX people mover project.
Political Context
The controversy over the unauthorized use of film clips follows the strict guidelines for intellectual property established by the Copyright Act of 1976. Opposition parties often scrutinize candidate media assets to identify potential legal vulnerabilities during the final stages of a race.
Voters should be aware that the campaign ad claims remain under scrutiny as the mayoral runoff election approaches this Tuesday. Meanwhile, residents anticipating the 2.25-mile LAX people mover project will have to wait until at least February 2027 for its completion.
The takeaway
Campaign advertisements are subject to intense public and legal verification during high-stakes municipal elections. Residents should exercise discernment when evaluating political media that incorporates third-party footage or high-profile personality clips.
What happens next
The runoff election for the Los Angeles mayoral seat is scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current municipal race, visit our Elections coverage.
Live Poll
Should political campaigns face stricter rules for using copyrighted material in their advertisements?
