A Campaign Face? No Thanks

(NEW YORK) Woody Allen has his limits. The acclaimed director, who professed a love of Versace sweaters at last month's Barneys-hosted bash for Donatella Versace, filed a lawsuit on Monday against American Apparel Inc. seeking more than $10 million in damages over alleged unauthorized billboard and online isements that feature him dressed as a rabbi.
 
"Allen was unaware that AAI was going to utilise his image on its billboard and website," the lawsuit said. "Allen was not contacted, nor did he in any way give his consent to the use of his image and likeness, and he was not in any way compensated for the same, either prior to the infringement or thereafter."

The billboards featuring his image in New York and Hollywood were put up in May 2007. The images were subsequently displayed in ising on the retail giant's Web site and in sponsored isements on other Web sites.

The complaint added the unlawful use of Allen's image for commercial ising was "especially egregious and damaging because Allen does not commercially endorse any products in the United States of America."

A spokesperson for American Apparel declined comment.