It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over (the lawsuit, that is)



Yogi Berra is not a fan of Sex and the City, or at least, of the show using his name in advertisements without his permission. Ads for re-runs of the popular, but provocative, show feature a picture of star Kim Cattrall and reads: "Yogasm: a) a type of yo-yo trick b) sex with Yogi Berra c) what Samantha has with a guy from yoga class." The ad has appeared on buses, billboards and in magazines nationwide and Berra is suing because of it.



The suit against Turner Broadcasting (TBS) claims that the ad caused Berra substantial humiliation and damage to his reputation, especially considering his religious nature and status as a father and grandfather. It also claims that TBS used his name without his permission, in violation of the right of publicity.



Berra is asking for $10 million. He shouldn't get that much but it seems pretty clear that TBS is in the wrong here. They used Berra's name without his permission and in an advertisement that he finds objectionable. I would expect an out-of-court settlement.



Hat Tip: Walter Olson at Overlawyered.

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