Nothing Funny in That, Woman Tells Artist

TIERRA AMARILLA, N.M. (CN) - A New Mexico woman claims artist Anne Taintor defamed her by using her high school graduation portrait on novelty items emblazoned with the phrase: "I'm going to be the most popular girl in rehab!"

Veronica Vigil sued Anne Taintor, Anne Taintor Inc. and Doodlets, a Santa Fe store, on Tuesday in Rio Arriba County Court.

Taintor produces mugs, refrigerator magnets, posters and other products with captioned images. Many are in 1950s commercial style, mocking stereotyped images of women.

Vigil claims that sometime before 2010 the defendants began using her image with the caption, without permission or notice.

Vigil says she is "an active member of her church and does not consume alcohol or drugs." She says she "has held herself out by reputation for her children and her community, to refrain from abuse or even use of alcohol or illicit drugs," as they destroy families and lives.

She claims the defendants have sold "thousands of products bearing the derogatory use" of her image.

She seeks punitive damages for defamation, privacy invasion, false light, prima facie tort, and unfair business practices, and wants the defendants enjoined from using her image.

She is represented by A. Blair Dunn, of Albuquerque.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit