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Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | Back issues
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Woman, 81, Says Viacom Defamed Her|With Paris Hilton-Style Flashing Allegation

LOS ANGELES (CN) - An 81-year-old woman says Viacom defamed her on its "Celebrity Eye Candy" TV show by filming her walking her dog as Viacom paparazzi lay in wait for Paris Hilton, then inserting a voice-over that suggested that the elderly woman "had exposed her private parts publicly, apparently as Paris Hilton ... is reputed to have done."

Plaintiff Anne B. McCourt says Viacom never sought or obtained a release from her after they filmed her, and broadcast the allegedly defamatory clip on VH1 network in December 2007.

McCourt says the Viacom crew asked her how she felt about Hilton, to which she responded, "I think she's an ass. ... I think she's ugly. And I think she's a disgusting human being."

She says Viacom broadcast this on its Eye Candy show in 2007, then rebroadcast it in a "Celebrity Eye Candy Best of 2007" show in which "in the editing process for the 'Best of 2008' episode, Viacom inserted a voice-over narration, suggesting that McCourt had exposed her private parts publically (sic), apparently as Paris Hilton, the reference celebrity, is reputed to have done."

McCourt demands damages for defamation, false light and emotional distress. She is represented by Christopher Daniels of Plymouth, Minn.

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