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:2025-04-25 01:10:39
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! (5386)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Nearly 50 years later, Asian American and Pacific Islander month features revelry and racial justice
- Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou says his 15-month-old son died
- Barbra Streisand explains Melissa McCarthy Ozempic comment: 'Forgot the world is reading'
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- At least 9 dead, dozens treated in Texas capital after unusual spike in overdoses
- White House considers welcoming some Palestinians from war-torn Gaza as refugees
- United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Why Melanie Lynskey Didn't Know She Was Engaged to Jason Ritter for 3 Days
Ranking
- FBI: California woman brought sword, whip and other weapons into Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
- Ex-NFL player Emmanuel Acho and actor Noa Tishby team up for Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew to tackle antisemitism
- Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey’s Twins Look All Grown Up on 13th Birthday
- Coming soon to Dave & Buster's: Betting. New app function allows customers to wager on games.
- Taylor Swift Cancels Austria Concerts After Confirmation of Planned Terrorist Attack
- Tesla stock rises after CEO Musk scores key deals with China on weekend trip to Beijing
- Minnesota man who regrets joining Islamic State group faces sentencing on terrorism charge
- Cheryl Burke Sets the Record Straight on Past Comments Made About Dancing With the Stars
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
The Daily Money: Will the Fed make a move?
Kentucky Derby's legendary races never get old: seven to watch again and again
Donald Trump receives earnout bonus worth $1.8 billion in DJT stock
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Alabama committee advances ban on LGBTQ+ pride flags in classrooms
From The Alamo to Tex-Mex: David Begnaud explores San Antonio
The Best Spring Jackets That Are Comfy, Cute, and Literally Go With Everything