Summary: Celebrities are almost always in the news, for everything from breaking the law to living their lavish lifestyles. However, many celebrities have made headlines for a different reason: for the often unbelievable lawsuits that are filed on their behalf.
Tippi Hedren
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Tippi Hedren, famous for her work in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” was on set for a television show called “Fashion House” one day in 2006. For reasons still unknown, nearly a ton of water fell from the ceiling onto the actress.
Hedren had previously suffered from headaches, and, shortly before the incident, had undergone spinal fusion surgery in hopes of stopping the headaches. After the was struck with the water, the headaches returned, and nothing would alleviate them. Since the incident, she has had several additional surgeries, including having a steel plate implanted in her neck. Although Ms. Hedren was to be awarded $1.5 million for her injuries, pain and suffering, she has yet to receive any of this cash as insurance companies continue to battle it out over the claim.
Karen Carpenter
“The Karen Carpenter Story” is a documentary of sorts which uses Barbie dolls as puppets. The life of singer Karen Carpenter, who sadly lost her battle with anorexia nervosa, is the focus of the film. According to DangerousMinds.net, the film follows the downward spiral of Carpenter and she slowly succumbs to the disease. Carpenter’s brother Richard sued Todd Haynes, the director, for copyright infringement. Today, it’s technically illegal to screen the film, although clips have snuck onto YouTube. The Museum of Modern Art has a copy of the documentary, but is banned from screening it.
Lindsey Lohan
Back in 2010, Lindsay Lohan filed a $100 million lawsuit against E-Trade for one of its baby actors stating “that milkaholic Lindsay.” Apparently, such a phrase was using Lohan’s likeness without her permission, according to the New York Post. Although Lohan’s attorney valiantly attempted to claim that “Lindsay” has the same one-name recognition as Madonna and Oprah, the lawsuit was dismissed.
Nicolas Cage
According to the New York Daily News, in 2008, Nicolas Cage filed a lawsuit against Kathleen Turner for falsely claiming that the actor had been arrested two times for drunk driving, and that he had also stolen a dog. The statements were in Turner’s book. Turner claimed that Cage “[came] across a Chihuahua he liked and stuck it in his jacket.” The case settled and Cage’s legal costs were covered by the defendants.
Anna Nicole Smith
According to ABC News, Anna Nicole Smith’s case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. In 1994, the former Playboy Playmate wed J. Howard Smith, who was six decades older than Anna Nicole. Smith died a year into the marriage. Anna Nicole claimed that Pierce Marshall, her stepson, fraudulently attempted to prevent Anna Nicole from inheriting any of her late husband’s estate. Anna Nicole filed a petition for bankruptcy in California, and received $400 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. Almost 15 years later, the drama finally ended in the Supreme Court when it was determined that the Bankruptcy Court lacked the constitutional authority to render judgment for Anna Nicole.
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