"Paris, LEAVE JOHN ALONE!"
Posted on 08/05/2008 12:18:51 PM PDT by Red Steel
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 8/5/08 — There has been a major backfire with presidential candidate John McCain’s TV ads comparing Barack Obama’s rock-star status and intelligence to celebrities Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.
Not only has the highly- influentional Hilton family struck back, who once donated to McCain’s campaign, about the affront to their offspring, fans across the nation are riled by the commercials offending their women, no matter how controversial they may be.
Moreover, Paris can sue McCain in many states who have “right of publicity laws.” Simply stated, you cannot use a person’ image to sell anything without their approval and likely a large check. Try using Michael Jordan’s face in your TV ad without permission and see how many lawyers call by 9 a.m..
The question will be is selling votes a sale? Political speech, like HT has First Amendment rights to run a public figure, yet TV ads may be an exception – yet this may be a question for the Supreme Court. Obama may wish to run a Bruce Springsteen song or face on his ads, but he can’t without permission.
A spokesman for Paris Hilton complained that “Miss Hilton was not asked, nor did she give permission for the use of her likeness in the ad.”
Paris may be blonde, but like Madonna, is anything but dumb. She has multiple corporations, a fashion line, makes her TV appearances and board meetings on time and has kept out of trouble. She is still young and rich, so subject to any rock star-like messes – but she can be cool as any CEO.
Similar with Britney, who is worth as much many women in business. Yet McCain played them as bimbos and compared them to Obama as one. McCain on Friday denied that his campaign had taken a negative turn, saying, “We think it’s got a lot of humor in it, we’re having fun and enjoying it.”
Paris Hilton’s mother doesn’t share McCain’s frivolity. On Sunday, Hilton’s mother, Kathy Hilton, a McCain donor, registered her disapproval, calling the ad “a complete waste of the money John McCain’s contributors have donated to his campaign.”
Kathy Hilton and her husband donated a total of $4,600 to McCain’s campaign earlier this year.
Well, in that case... it’s time to hit the beach! lol
Well, it proves McCain is no gentleman.
Being compared with Obama has ruined their reputations.
I think everyone is missing the point on this: If McCain is so conservative....why did he take $$$ from the Hilton’s in the first place? Of course, not brillant to them turn around and criticize their daughter (no matter how floozy she is)
What liberals will do to justify voting for McCain...
I wouldn’t want to be the attorney filing her law suit.
“Paris may be blonde, but like Madonna, is anything but dumb. She has multiple corporations, a fashion line, makes her TV appearances and board meetings on time and has kept out of trouble.”
I have always liked Paris. She should look on the bright side as she hasn’t got much publicity lately and this is huge.
I think it’s a compliment for her to be the subliminal image of miscengeneration. However, Obama would never be confused with Mandingo.
No they aren’t. A “public figure” such as a politician is not the same as a celebrity who likeness is their income.
You can use “public figures” likenesses, not celebrities.
However McCain simply compared Obama’s celebrity status to that of Paris & Britney in a political ad, so I think they’ll lose that case.
That's what I figured...McCain has not "profited" and she has no standing as there has not been any "harm".
I’m offended by your very question! The NERVE of some Freepers!
LOL
So living the life she has what does mom expect? Paris will be the subject of the late night talk show jokes, gossip columns and even a political ad.....
It's on Michelle Malkin's blog.
actually no it would not because they are not being used to endorse mccain.
They are being held up in accord with their pubic personas of celebrity bimbo.
Hilton and spears as examples of public bimbos to go with Obama as a public bimbo.
fair use.
Hilton is a celebrity in the news constantly. As such, absent demonstrable malice and injury, she has little recourse to libel and slander laws.
I don’t see how anyone could construe the ad as McCain ‘selling’ (in the normal definition of gaining material compensation) something using by using her image.
If she wants her money back, McCain should cut her a check immediately with thanks for the extra publicity.
It's parody, in case you didn't notice, and that allows for a LOT.
The ad in no way suggests that Paris Hilton endorses John McCain.
Hee Hee Hee
To begin with, I'm not even certain why they're offended. I don't get it. I know who Paris Hilton is because of a sex tape and crying when she had to go to jail like everyone else. And her mommy is offended?
Surf’s up, dude!
I’d say safely that Hilton and Britney are public figures. I don’t see People’s magazine or ET or the other outlets getting sued for posting their photos. In fact the Paparazzi do pretty well.
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