Hollywood Docket: Perez Hilton's 'Email of the Day' Gets Someone Fired

Case: Diane and Joel Wargo v. Mario Lavandeira, Case No. cv08664752 (Ohio Common), filed July 14

Claims: Breach of contract, promissory estoppel, fraud, negligence, defamation, invasion of privacy, tortious interference, intentional infliction of emotional distress

Allegations: Diane Wargo responded to a comment made about her on Lavandeira's website, Perezhilton.com. In response, Perez Hilton published her comment as the "Email of the Day," and included Wargo's full name, e-mail address, and employer. Wargo claims that she and her employer were harassed and eventually she was fired. Wargo alleges that Perez Hilton violated his website's own Conditions of Use, which grants "Perezhilton.com and its affiliates and sublicensees the right to use the name that you submit in connection with such content." Wargo says she relied on defendant's promise that her e-mail address and private info wouldn't appear on the website.

Filing attorney: Brian Spitz, The Spitz Law Firm, Cleveland

Case: Scott Phillips v. Oversees Filmgroup, Case No. CV0807203 (New Mexico County Ct.), filed July 15

Claims: Breach of contract, accounting

Allegations: Plaintiff alleges that he signed an Option/Writing Service contract in 1995 with Oversees Filmgroup, a successor-in-interest  First Look Studios, for a film script entitled "Drive." The contract was said to include various contingent bonuses based on theatrical release, videocassette release, and box office performance. Phillips alleges that Oversees has failed to to pay and provide an accounting of sales for the film.

Filing attorney: Tony Couture, New Mexico