After appearing on the 1996 cover of Placebo's debut album as a 12-year-old boy, David Fox is now threatening to sue the band for 'ruining' his life

The boy who appeared on the cover of Placebo's debut album has threatened to sue the band for "ruining" his life. David Fox, whose grimacing face adorned Placebo's self-titled 1996 LP, claims his music-world notoriety led to bullying and ultimately his quitting school.

According to a report in the Times, Fox will file a lawsuit next month using his mother's savings and "every bit of spare money". He was just 12 years old when his cousin snapped his photograph in a red jumper. He later learned by telephone that the shot had been licensed for Placebo's record – the album went on to reach No 5.

"Within a week it was out in the shops," Fox said. "It was in Virgin, it was in HMV, it was in Tesco, it was all over the place. I was watching EastEnders with my mum and I saw one of the billboards by the Tube station and it had my face on there."

Fox was constantly teased by his classmates, he said, and was forced to take a break from school. Later he dropped out. Although Fox eventually trained as a chef, he is currently unemployed.

Placebo have not responded to Fox's claims.