nubianx2
01-28-2002, 07:18 AM
Upper Marlboro, Md. (AP) - Television legend, Fred "Rerun" Berry has filed a lawsuit for $14 million against Soul Circus, Incorporated.
Information released by the Law Office of Jimmy A. Bell in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, states the suit filed by the actor claims Soul Circus, Inc. was financially profiting from the marketing and promotion of his name and that he was not being compensated for it.
According to the lawsuit, the former star of the 70's sitcom "What's Happening," and Soul Circus, Inc. entered into a "General Circus Performer Agreement," signed January 18, 2001. On June 20, 2001, the circus was put on notice, in a letter from Berry's lawyer that it was using the image and likeness of "Rerun" unlawfully.
The lawsuit states that Fred "Rerun" Berry never authorized Soul Circus, Inc. to use his image or likeness in advertising and marketing activities or for any purpose. However, the circus continues to market Berry's stardom and image of "Rerun" on their website and promotional materials.
In addition to Soul Circus, Inc. not compensating Berry for the use of his name, the lawsuit says that his reputation has suffered injury. Many eager fans have accused Fred "Rerun" Berry of fraud and participating in deceptive advertising because they have seen him advertised as part of the circus.
But once they've paid their money and brought their children to see the show, they find out he's not a part of it. As a result, Berry says in his lawsuit, that he has suffered economic damage as well as emotional distress.
Berry filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
Information released by the Law Office of Jimmy A. Bell in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, states the suit filed by the actor claims Soul Circus, Inc. was financially profiting from the marketing and promotion of his name and that he was not being compensated for it.
According to the lawsuit, the former star of the 70's sitcom "What's Happening," and Soul Circus, Inc. entered into a "General Circus Performer Agreement," signed January 18, 2001. On June 20, 2001, the circus was put on notice, in a letter from Berry's lawyer that it was using the image and likeness of "Rerun" unlawfully.
The lawsuit states that Fred "Rerun" Berry never authorized Soul Circus, Inc. to use his image or likeness in advertising and marketing activities or for any purpose. However, the circus continues to market Berry's stardom and image of "Rerun" on their website and promotional materials.
In addition to Soul Circus, Inc. not compensating Berry for the use of his name, the lawsuit says that his reputation has suffered injury. Many eager fans have accused Fred "Rerun" Berry of fraud and participating in deceptive advertising because they have seen him advertised as part of the circus.
But once they've paid their money and brought their children to see the show, they find out he's not a part of it. As a result, Berry says in his lawsuit, that he has suffered economic damage as well as emotional distress.
Berry filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.