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March 6, 2005
Supersized Lawsuit
Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me featured a brief interview with attorney Samuel Hirsch, who was representing two adolescent girls who were suing McDonalds in 2002 for contributing to their obesity. During his interview, Hirsch is asked for his motivations in representing the two girls. His response: "You mean, motive besides monetary compensation? You want to hear a noble cause?"
Now Hirsch is at again, suing Spurlock for defamation. According to the Documentary Film Weblog, "Accusing the director of 'Negligence, Unauthorized Use of Likeness, Disparagement to Reputation, and Defamation of Character, Fraudulent Inducement, False Misrepresentation, Damage to Business Reputation,' Hirsch is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and is also seeking 'disgorgement of profits.'" For more information, check out the New York Observer story.
No word yet on whether Hirsch would be suing himself for saying something so injudicious while on camera.
Posted by chuck at March 6, 2005 4:40 PM
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Comments
Ya, that's pretty ridiculous. I hope that Hirsch doesn't succeed. I don't really see the big deal anyway. Why is it defamation? Is *anyone* surprised that a lawyer who sues McDonalds is thinking about the money?
Posted by: B at March 12, 2005 10:39 AM
It's defamation because the film made a few milion bucks. If the doc shows on HBO a few dozen times and someone writes an academic paper or two on it, who cares?
In a way, it's amusing. I just hope Spurlcok doesn't have to spend a lot of money defending himself on this one.
Posted by: Chuck ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://chutry.wordherders.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 12, 2005 12:36 PM