Judge denies motion to block release of Chris Rock's 'Good Hair'

By Eriq Gardner

Federal District Court Judge Dale Fischer has denied an injunction preventing the release of Chris Rock's "Good Hair."

Regina Kimbell, producer and director of "My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage," had sought to halt the release of Chris Rock's film, which is now out in limited distribution and will be released worldwide on Friday. Kimbell is suing Rock for $5 million for copying substantial elements from her own film dissecting the lengths that black people go to take care of their hair.

After the hearing today, Kimbell's attorney Reginal Brown downplayed the development, calling it "not surprising." Brown says he wasn't able to meet the burden of proof demonstrating a likelihood of success and harm greater than the injury that Rock would have suffered if the injunction was granted.

"These motions are rarely granted," Brown added. "We still feel optimistic on our copyright claim and we're on track to proceed."

A scheduling order will soon be sent to the attorneys involved in the case to discuss discovery and other procedural items.