Hollywood Docket: Did VH-1 Tortiously Tilt the Balance Of Power In Seducing Women?
Thu Aug 07, 2008 @ 11:03AM PST
Case: Gordon Roy Parker v. Viacom International, Case No. 08cv3630 (Pennsylvania District), filed Aug. 4
Claims: violations of antitrust, fair housing, and tortious interference
Allegations: The plaintiff in this amusing case is in the seduction-advice business. Parker claims that because of defendant Viacom's "mega-distribution" power, the company's VH-1 show "The Pickup Artist" led to "king-maker" domination of the online seduction-advice business. The complaint alleges that the show elevated the stature of host/"seduction guru"/co-defendant Erik "Mystery" von Markovic and the show's website linked to the website of co-defendant Venusian Arts Corporation, an online seduction "affiliate" who possibly paid a 25% commission of its sales back to Viacom. Together, the arrangement "tilted the balance of the internet seduction advice industry so in favor of Defendants Mystery and VAC...that their market share of and control over this relevant market approaches that of a monopoly." The complaint quotes Viacom's own lawsuit against YouTube, also alleges that some of the participants on the show were paid actors, and demands compensatory damages not less than $30 million.
Filing attorney: pro se
Filed Under Hollywood Docket
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