FRESNO, Calif. (CN) - "Bachelorette" TV actor Kasey Kahl claims in court that celebrity gossip website TMZ.com defamed him by reporting that he was "jailed for 'allegedly huffing paint thinner.'"
In an Aug. 3, 2011 story, still posted online this morning (Tuesday), TMZ reported: "Former 'Bachelorette' star Kasey Kahl is back behind bars ... after being charged with multiple felonies for allegedly attacking two people at a nightclub earlier this year ... while under the influence of a paint thinner." (Ellipses in TMZ story.)
TMZ posted an "Update" at the bottom of the story, which states, in toto: "Law enforcement sources tell us ... there was an error on the charging document ... and it should NOT have stated that Kahl was suspected of being under the influence of toluene.
"Kahl also told TMZ he never, ever huffed paint." (Ellipses in TMZ story.)
It is not clear when TMZ posted its "Update."
Kahl sued Warner Bros Entertainment, EHM Productions and TMZ.com, in Fresno County Superior Court. He demands $20 million for libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The complaint states: "Defendants' statements forever falsely taint and permanently damage Kahl, in the eyes of the media, friends, family, fans, and the general public, as a person engaged in the taboo, socially unacceptable, unlawful action of 'huffing' paint thinners. Media will forever mention his name in the context of huffing paint and fans will forever remember Kahl with ill repute rather than remember his accomplishments in and out of the spotlight."
Kahl claims the report also will hurt his career "in television or any other industry."
He is represented by Nathan Miller with Miller & Ayala.
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