The 'Suicide Squad' actor has finally decided to file a lawsuit against TMZ for releasing a video featuring his harsh comment about the 'Bad Blood' singer.
- Dec 10, 2015
AceShowbiz - Jared Leto thinks that TMZ's decision to publish a video featuring him cursing Taylor Swift is a violation of his privacy rights. The "Suicide Squad" actor filed a lawsuit against the news outlet on Wednesday, December 9.
"I have chosen to file this lawsuit not because I want to, but in hopes it will encourage more people to stop trafficking in stolen goods, to follow proper legal procedure and so that it may motivate additional consideration for the harm these acts can create, especially when the only intention is to simply further the bottom line for the companies and corporations that commit these acts," Jared said in a statement.
In a legal document obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Jared explained that the footage was taken on September 8 by a videographer he retained. The videographer reportedly delivered the video to TMZ in exchange for a payment of $2,000. Nevertheless, the videographer doesn't have legal right to deliver it.
"TMZ requested that Videographer sign a document confirming he had the legal right to deliver the Footage," read the document. "Videographer refused to sign such an acknowledgement. Prior to any broadcast of the Footage, Plaintiff had advised Defendants that the Footage was stolen, and that Defendants were not authorized to disseminate, display, or publish the Footage on the website TMZ.com or at all."
Though the videographer didn't want to sign the acknowledgment document, the news outlet published the video afterwards. The lawsuit claimed that TMZ "rushed to publish" the video. Less than an hour after it was posted on the website, the videographer told the gossip site, "Do not post the footage. I do not own it. I do not have permission."
While TMZ hasn't commented on the lawsuit yet, it continues to show the said video on its website. As previously reported, the video caused the 43-year-old actor to receive massive backlash from Taylor's fans. Later on, Jared sent an apology tweet to the singer as well as her fans for his harsh words. The "Bad Blood" hitmaker hasn't responded to his apology tweet yet.
