Misguided Ferrigno Sues Hollywood Star
Daily Variety
April 10, 2006
Former professional bodybuilder and actor Lou Ferrigno filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Los Angeles on Monday against 'La Bamba' actor Lou Diamond Phillips, alleging that the Hollywood star is "profiting from the misappropriation" of the name 'Lou' in all types of print and television media. According to a spokesperson for Lou Diamond Phillips, the actor intends to fight the case in court. "We have reviewed the complaint and found it to be frivolous and without merit," said Frank Albertson, an attorney with the high-powered Wilshire Avenue firm of Cahill, Albertson, Hyatt & Solters. He added, "We plan to countersue Mr. Ferrigno for malicious prosecution, false portrayal in a public light, and defamation of character." Ferrigno, who recently made news by suing his brother for using the Ferrigno surname in his fitness business, had no comment through his spokesperson. Former action hero and current California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a good friend of Ferrigno. His press secretary released a statement saying: "The Governor supports his friend Lou Ferrigno during this difficult period in his life, and wishes him great success with his case." While legal pundits think Ferrigno has gone too far in suing someone over the use of their first name, Loyola-Marymount Law Professor Daniel Capra sees the case as a toss-up. "If Mr. Ferrigno can prove that Mr. Diamond-Phillips is attempting to cash in on the use of the name 'Lou' without justification, or for the sole purpose of profiting through the use of that name, a jury could find for Mr. Ferrigno." The case, one of first impression by the California Courts, could go to trial as early as August.
Incredible!!!
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