John Waters Sued For Song Use on Christmas Album

A John Waters Christmas

A federal lawsuit for copyright infringement has been issued against director and all-around awesome individual John Waters for the publication of the song “Santa Claus is a Black Man” on Waters’ CD A John Waters Christmas from 2004.

The plaintiff, Theodore Vann, claims he owns the song and that Waters had no right to release it on the CD. Vann goes on to say in his suit that he specifically denied Waters the rights to use the song because he is “odd and a fetishist”.

Michael Vick Can Not Escape The IRS in Prison

Michael Vick, currently serving prison time for his role in a dogfighting operation, is about to get attacked by the biggest dog out there… the Internal Revenue Service.  The IRS say Vick failed to file his 2007 tax return.  Vick has previously filed for bankruptcy, but laws still require Vick to file the return.

The IRS claims that Vick currently owes $1.2 million in back taxes, and their records indicate that Vick went through $17 million dollars in just two years.

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake May Have to Shave His Own Name

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake Could Lose Name in Court

If a cease-and-desist order filed by World Wrestling Entertainment, (aka WWE aka The WWF) is granted, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, whose real name is Edward Leslie, will be forced to stop using one of the most recognizable and classic monikers in modern wrestling.

The WWE claims that they own the trademarked name and that Leslie, who dropped the name when he started working for the WCW, does not have the right to use it.  Leslie counters saying that he has been using the name since 2000 without any trouble from the WWE.

Leslie recently a jumpstart to his career when he became a coach on Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling.

Michael Jackson Settles Lawsuit Filed by Bahraini Sheikh Out of Court

Michael Jackson Settles Lawsuit

London’s Royal Courts of Justice has said that a lawsuit filed by Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa against Michael Jackson has been settled out of court.

The lawsuit claimed that Jackson had abandoned a business deal with 33-year old Sheikh Abdulla that would have included a new album and an autobiography.  Sheikh Abdulla had paid the $2.2 million in legal fees for Jackson’s 2005 child molestation trial, let Jackson move into one of his palaces in Bahrain after the acquittal, and had given Jackson a $7 million advancement on the planned record and book.

Jackson’s lawyers argue that the money given was to him as a gift, and that he was not bound by any contract.

The terms of this amicably settled dispute will remain undisclosed, with a representative for Sheikh Abdulla saying “the details of the settlement will remain confidential as this is part of the agreement.” The pair have wished each other well on their individual endeavors.

Jennifer Garner Files for Permanent Restraining Order Against Stalker

Garner Uses Law To Restrain Stalker

Earlier this month Jennifer Garner had a temporary restraining order placed against stalker Steven Burky, so that he can legally have no contact whatsoever with her or her family.  Burky has been sending packages and letters to Garner since 2002, but Garner states in her paperwork that “his obsessive and harassing behavior has escalated to the point of becoming dangerous and threatening.”

Garner now fear for her life, as well as husband Ben Affleck, their daughter and their soon-to-be born second child.

A hearing is set for today to make the restraining order permanent.

John McCain’s Lawyers Fight Back Against Jackson Browne’s Copyright Lawsuit

John McCain Fights Copyright Lawsuit

During the presidential election, a television ad ran in Ohio during the month of August in favor of John McCain used a snippet of Jackson Browne’s song “Running on Empty”, and Browne sued John McCain, the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Repubican Party for copyright infringement.

Now, McCain’s lawyers have struck back with legal filing including comments saying that “given the
political, non-commercial, public interest and transformative nature of the use of a long-ago published song, the miniscule amount used and the lack of any effect on the market [his] claims are barred by the fair use doctrine” and further that the “claim is barred as a matter of law because the Lanham Act does not apply to political speech.”

Should the court rule in McCain’s favor, it could establish a precedent which would make it much harder for songwriters to complain if/when political parties use their songs without permission.

Follow Up to Heather Locklear’s Arrest for Driving Under the Influence

Back in September, we reported that Heather Locklear had been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.  Locklear has now been officially charged with one count of driving under the influence of drugs, due to prescription medication in her system that Santa Barbara DDA says “could have impaired her ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.”

No alcohol or illegal substances were found in samples taken from her at the time of her arrest.

Survivor Contestant Arrested for Disorderly Intoxication After Vote Off

Survivor Ace Gordon Mugshot

After being voted off of Survivor Gabon, Ace Gordon found himself drinking in a bar in Naples Florida. After being tossed out of the bar for reportedly striking a female patron, Gordon was systematically arrested by police called to the scene.

Gordon was charged early Sunday morning with disorderly intoxication, obstruction of an officer and resisting arrest while “repeatedly [telling] deputies he was famous.” Gordon was released from Collier County jail later that day.

“Winner” of The Bachelor Season Six Arrested for Public Intoxication

Mary Delgado Mugshot

“Winner” of season six of The Bachelor, Mary Delgado, was arrested over the weekend in Del Rio Texas on charged including public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Delgado had been drinking at Del Rio bar Lorina’s Cantina.  When asked to leave, the intoxicated Delgado refused to go.  Cops were called, and during transit to station, Delgado destroyed the radio in the police cruiser.

Byron “The Bachelor” Velvick later posted bond for Delgado’s release.  Delgado had been previously arrested for allegedly punching Velvick in the face.

Suge Knight Charged in Las Vegas for Possession and Battery

Suge Knight Mugshot

Back in August, Suge Knight was arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly attacking his girlfriend, and during the arrest he was found to have two controlled substances, meth and hydrocodone, on his person.

This weekend, Knight was finally officially charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor for battery.

More to come on this, as lawyers from Clark County and for the defense start to make their initial statements.