Judge Tosses Out Lawsuit Against 'Borat'
hottest galleries
-
The Latest Star Sightings
Access the day’s hottest photos!
-
Isn’t It Bromantic? Hollywood’s Top 10 Bromances!
Find out which Hollywood bros will be friends ‘til the end…
-
Brad! Demi! Robert! Paris! Hot Shots Of The Stars In Shades
Check out the stars as they step out across the world in their favorite pair of sunglasses!
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 2, 2008 3:52 PM EDT
NEW YORK, NY --
A judge has tossed out a defamation lawsuit brought by a businessman shown in the movie "Borat" as he is chased down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.
Federal Judge Loretta Preska says the term "newsworthy" — defined in its most liberal and far reaching terms — can be applied to the 2006 hit movie.
The lawsuit had sought unspecified damages for Jeffrey Lemerond, a Dartmouth College graduate and financial analyst.
Messages for comment left with lawyers on both sides were not immediately returned Wednesday.
In the movie, Lemerond is shown running and yelling "Go away!" as Cohen's character, a phony Kazakhstan journalist, chases him in an attempt to hug strangers.
The judge concedes that the movie employs a brand of humor that appeals to the most childish and vulgar in its viewers. But she says it also attempts an ironic commentary.
Copyright 2009 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!
What Do You Think?
Sharon Osbourne said Susan Boyle looks like she got hit with an ‘ugly stick.’ Who do you think is better looking?