Borat

Last year we provided extensive coverage of litigation arising out of Borat, Sasha Baron Cohen’s raunchy hit film. Things have been generally quiet on that front, but now we have some news. Sewell Chan reports over at the City Room: Was Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2006 film “Borat” a pure slapstick comedy? Does it have a […]

Several months ago, the world was awash in Borat litigation. But then things died down on that front. Now they’re heating up again. From a tipster: Check out this lawsuit. Although the damages claim might be a little silly, it seems like this guy might have a valid claim — he didn’t sign a waiver […]

Just a few minutes ago, Sacha Baron Cohen — who is surprisingly good-looking without the goofy Borat hair and moustache — accepted a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy). The final line of his acceptance speech: “I’d like to thank everyone who has not sued me.” (Random observation: Given […]

Here’s our recap of the past week in ATL, completely free of Biglaw or bonus news (which will be summarized in a separate “Week in Review” post). The theme for this week’s news: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” * Hardworking lawyers are still unhappy with their sex lives. * Celebrities […]

It’s only a matter of time before BNA starts publishing a Borat Law Reporter. There have been a few developments in this area since we last checked in. First, a victory for the defendants: Two college fraternity buddies shown guzzling alcohol and making racist remarks in the “Borat” movie have lost their bid for a […]

The latest news in the world of Borat-related litigation: A judge on Monday told lawyers who filed a $30 million lawsuit accusing the makers of the hit movie “Borat” of misleading residents of a remote Romanian village that they must make specific allegations in their lawsuit if they want it to have a chance at […]

But we can’t bring ourselves to do it. Maybe this guy can do some caring for us. Actually, the Borat connection may be the only vaguely interesting thing about the Pamela Anderson/Kid Rock divorce (court papers filed yesterday). From Page Six: [Hollywood producer] “Ron Meyer held a screening of ‘Borat’ at his house for a […]

* Another week, another Borat lawsuit. * Wow — it doesn’t take much to get lawyers all hot and bothered. But ATL readers were evidently untroubled. * Merry Christmas. There will be no O.J. Simpson book. * But no Britney sex tape, either. * Wesley Snipes has some harsh words for the IRS. And Judge […]

The Borat litigation juggernaut rolls on. And Fox, the studio behind the hit movie, is fighting back: Fox attorneys filed a legal brief Monday slamming a request for a preliminary injunction against the hit comedy “Borat” as a “fatuous” attempt to thwart free speech, even as the studio’s legal battle spread to a second front. […]

Litigation surrounding Sacha Baron Cohen’s controversial comedy, Borat, is turning into a cottage industry for the legal profession. Here’s the latest news: The owner of an etiquette business who was handed a plastic bag supposedly containing feces in the hit movie “Borat” says she was [falsely] told the filming would be used for a documentary […]

On Friday night, we saw Borat at our local movie theater. We found it hilarious for the first fifteen minutes, before it turned repetitive. That said, there were some impressive set pieces in the second half of the film, such as the hotel room wrestling match. (We viewed Borat on the recommendation of one of […]

* The Democrats are in the House — and Senate, too. Say hello to the new chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. (And goodbye to Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.) * It was a big week for politics — and celebrity divorces. Parting ways: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. * Dewey Ballantine […]

A Borat lawsuit has been filed. But the plaintiff isn’t a Turkish “internet celebrity” with a dubious claim that he’s the “real” Borat. Plaintiffs are two frat boys who appeared in the movie. From TMZ (via Overlawyered): Two anonymous plaintiffs are suing 20th Century Fox and One America Productions, claiming members of their college fraternity […]

This “news” broke earlier in the week. But we were distracted by more important developments. Like the Britney Spears-Kevin Federline divorce. And that whole “midterm elections” thing. Anyway, here it is: A Turkish Internet celebrity is so convinced he was the inspiration for Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat” character, he’s traveling to London seeking an apology […]

* I didn’t realize that it has been at least four years since people have been writing for nothing but personal satisfaction. Well, Happy Birthday, Legal Reader! [Legal Reader] * I haven’t made up my mind regarding voter irrationality, but I know this is why I hate politics (and why those swayed to vote by […]