Hollywood Docket: Much-Sued 'Crash' Producers Now Accused of Not Paying Actor

Posted by Matthew Heller

Case: Norseman v. Bob Yari Productions, Case No. BC 388219 (Los Angeles Superior Ct.), filed March 26

Claims: Breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, publicity rights

Allegations: Plaintiff Martin Norseman appeared as "Detective Conklin" in the Oscar-winning, and much litigated, movie "Crash." Producers Bob Yari and Mark Harris both told him he had done a great job on the picture but, in violation of a contract which was "partially oral and partially written," they and director Paul Haggis have not paid him for his work or provided him with the paperwork for SAG membership. They also used his likeness without his consent in that "his apparent consent for the use of his likeness and name was obtained by defendants through fraud."

Filing attorney: Robert Woods, Isaacman Kaufman & Painter, Beverly Hills

Case: Adel Rootstein (USA), Inc. v. Forever 21, Case No. 08-CV-01596 (USDC, N. Ill), March 19

Claims: Copyright infringement, breach of contract

Allegations: Plaintiff designs artistic mannequins inspired by "famous models, singers, actors, and other personalities" including Twiggy and Joan Collins which it sells to upscale department stores. After discovering that retailer Forever 21 was displaying copies of Rootstein mannequins in its stores, the parties reached a settlement in August 2007 providing that Forever 21 could continue to use the designs until Jan. 31, 2008 in exchange for payment of $75,000. "Despite its obligations under the Settlement Agreement ... Forever 21 continues to use unauthorized copies of Rootstein mannequin designs in its retail outlets."

Filing attorney: Matthew Neumeier, Howrey Llp, Chicago

To view the complaint, click here.