They said/We said: Watch the super C-U-T-E ad Kim Kardashian is suing Old Navy over
“There’s only room in town for one Kim Kardashian” seems to be the message the socialite wants to send. On Tuesday, the reality television queen filed a lawsuit against Old Navy for using Toronto-born model Melissa Molinaro in a television commercial, dancing around and proclaiming she’s “super C-U-T-E.” Kardashian, who is in no way affiliated with the retailer, feels like the ad infringes on her oh-so-valuable persona.
What makes the whole issue that much more dramatic (and Kim is no stranger to drama) is the fact that Molinaro is currently dating Reggie Bush, one of the reality star’s ex-boyfriends. One can’t help but question the actual motives behind the suit: Is it a legitimate move to protect the star’s brand or is Kardashian feeling a bit jealous of the new sultry (albeit considerably less famous) brunette?
As far as we know, resemblance isn’t patented. Nor is it strong enough ground upon which to build a lawsuit. What we can say is that the scandal is definitely getting people talking and creating a lot of publicity for Old Navy as well as the previously unknown model.
WHAT THEY SAID…
Kim Kardashian: “I’ve worked hard to support the products I’m personally involved with and that I believe in.” [Washington Post]
Kardashian’s attorney: “Kim Kardashian is immediately recognizable, and is known for her look and style. Her identity and persona are valuable. When her intellectual property rights are violated, she intends to enforce them.” [Fashionista]
Amy Odell, The Cut: “From what we know about her E! shows, mostly through a friend who is a self-professed ironic fan and semi-expert, she spends every episode sitting around. See Kim sit in a chair, see Kim sit on the side of a pool, see Kim sit on her bed, see Kim sit on a stair, see Kim sit on a couch. This model is standing and dancing and moving around in all types of ways. So maybe she’s not as similar to Kim as Kim thinks.” [The Cut]
Chad Darnell, former casting agent: “If Kim Kardashian can sue Old Navy for claiming they stole her shtick, then I think Paris Hilton should be able to sue Kim Kardashian.” [Twitter]
WHAT WE SAID…
Caitlin Agnew, assistant editor/research: “I find it hard to believe that Kim Kardashian’s ‘likeness’ qualifies as ‘intellectual property.’ Her enterprising lawyers must be laughing all the way to the bank.”
