Current:Home > NewsGeorge Santos sues Jimmy Kimmel, says TV host fooled him into making embarrassing videos -CryptoBase
George Santos sues Jimmy Kimmel, says TV host fooled him into making embarrassing videos
View
Date:2025-04-16 08:33:59
NEW YORK − Former U.S. Rep. George Santos alleged in a lawsuit filed Saturday that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel deceived him into making videos on the Cameo app that were used to ridicule the disgraced New York Republican on the show.
The lawsuit filed in U.S. district court for the southern district of New York names Kimmel, ABC and Walt Disney Co. as defendants. A Disney representative listed as a media contact for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show didn't immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment.
Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives last year after being charged with multiple counts of fraud and stealing from donors, is suing over alleged copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
Kimmel misrepresented himself to induce Santos to create personalized videos "capitalizing on and ridiculing" his "gregarious personality," the lawsuit alleges.
Through Cameo, Santos received requests from individuals and businesses seeking personalized video messages. Unbeknownst to Santos, Kimmel submitted at least 14 requests that used phony names and narratives, according to the complaint.
Starting in December the videos were played on a segment, " Will Santos Say It? " the suit says.
'Soft-brained wackos':Jimmy Kimmel hits back at Aaron Rodgers after he speculates comic is on Epstein list
In one of the clips, Santos offers congratulations to the purported winner of a beef-eating contest, calling the feat of consuming 6 pounds of ground beef in under 30 minutes "amazing and impressive."
"Frankly, Kimmel's fake requests were funny, but what he did was clear violation of copyright law," Robert Fantone, an attorney for Santos, said.
Academy AwardsJimmy Kimmel gets help from Ryan Gosling's Ken, Weird Barbie on way to Oscars Land
Santos is seeking statutory damages totaling $750,000 for the five videos he created that were played on the show and various social media platforms. He also asks for other damages to be determined at trial.
The ex-lawmaker faces a slew of criminal charges, including allegations that he defrauded campaign donors, lied to Congress about his wealth, received unemployment benefits while employed and used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses like designer clothing. He also is alleged to have made unauthorized charges on credit cards belonging to some of his donors.
Santos pleaded not guilty to a revised indictment in October.
On Tuesday, Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election for Santos' former seat.
veryGood! (315)
Related
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- 5-year-old migrant boy who got sick at a temporary Chicago shelter died from sepsis, autopsy shows
- Explosion at Virginia home kills 1 firefighter and hospitalizes 9 firefighters and 2 civilians
- Boy who was staying at Chicago migrant shelter died of sepsis, autopsy says
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Millions of women are 'under-muscled'. These foods help build strength
- NBA All-Star 3-point contest 2024: Time, how to watch, participants, rules
- California is forging ahead with food waste recycling. But is it too much, too fast?
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Amazon argues that national labor board is unconstitutional, joining SpaceX and Trader Joe’s
Ranking
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- George Kliavkoff out as Pac-12 commissioner as the full conference enters final months
- Texas will build camp for National Guard members in border city of Eagle Pass
- Miami's Bam Adebayo will start All-Star Game, replacing injured Philadelphia center Joel Embiid
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- George Kliavkoff out as Pac-12 commissioner as the full conference enters final months
- You Won't Be Able to Get These Photos of Lenny Kravitz Off Your Mind
- Sistah Scifi is behind those book vending machines in Oakland and Seattle
Recommendation
IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
Alaska woman gets 99 years in best friend's catfished murder-for-hire plot
Derek Hough 'can't wait' to make tour return after wife Hayley Erbert's health scare
Bears great Steve McMichael contracts another infection, undergoes blood transfusion, family says
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
The Murderous Mindf--k at the Heart of Lover, Stalker, Killer
Rachel Brosnahan, Danai Gurira, Hoda and Jenna rock front row at Sergio Hudson NYFW show
Nordstrom's Presidents’ Day Sale Includes Deals up to 50% Off From SKIMS, Kate Spade, Free People, & More