I’ve decided to start a new feature on my blog: Media Law Case of the Week.
The Media Law Case of the Week will appear on Mondays and feature a case I think is interesting, different and/or important. I decided that since I’m combing the Net for interesting cases for the media law class I teach, I may as well start sharing the best of what I find on my blog.
So, without further ado, the Media Law Case of the Week:
It’s not often a libel case involves a Disney star and an escort service, but the recently settled case of “Suite Life” star Brenda Song fits the bill. Ads for an escort service ran with Song’s picture and the slogan “Hawaiin [sic] beauty. Come get lei’d.” in LA Weekly in April 2008. The kicker is Song never authorized the use of her image. She sued for libel, emotional distress and commercial appropriation of her likeness. (Oh those pesky details … ) For details of the case and the settlement, check here.
