Fast Fraud

Charles Tryon points to a brand-new lawsuit, "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.

It's amazing how some attorneys sue at the drop of a hat, knowing fully well that it would be tough for the opponent to devote enough resources to succeed. I mean, really, this guy was an independent film maker and Hirsch knew fully well that the interview could be used in whole or in part for the film (I hope we see a contract or other legal instrument appear that says as much).

Ho hum... litigious is as litigious does.