Woody Allen's Reputation Isn't Worth $10M, American Apparel Argues
A clothing manufacturer known for its edgy advertising and aggressive litigation tactics is now taking on Woody Allen.
Sued by the director and actor for $10 million for allegedly using his image without permission on billboards and in an Internet advertising campaign, American Apparel Inc. contends that Allen’s image isn’t worth all that much, reports the Associated Press.
The case is scheduled to go to trial in federal district court in Manhattan later this month. Attorney Stuart Slotnick, who represents the company, has said American Apparel intends to focus on Allen’s relationships with his ex-wife, actress Mia Farrow, and current wife, Farrow’s adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, according to the news agency.
“After the various sex scandals that Woody Allen has been associated with, corporate America’s desire to have Woody Allen endorse their product is not what he may believe it is,” Slotnick said last month.
In court papers, the 73-year-old actor describes the company’s litigation tactics as a “brutish attempt to smear and intimidate” him, as well as irrelevant to the issue of whether American Apparel unlawfully used his image. He does not endorse products in the United States.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Woody Allen Sues Over American Apparel Rabbi Ads”
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer Who Sued Company CEO is Target of Claimed Cyber-Attack Campaign”
ABAJournal.com: “Court Reveals Sham Arbitration Pact to Clear American Apparel CEO”
ABAJournal.com: “Nearly Naked Fashion Exec Claims Legitimate Business Purpose”
