Evel Knievel Sues Rapper Kanye West Over Video

[matcom]

<snip>

TAMPA, Fla. -- Iconic daredevil Evel Knievel has sued rapper Kanye West, taking issue with a sexually charged video in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and jumps a motorcycle over a canyon.

Knievel, whose real name is Robert Craig Knievel, filed suit in federal court Monday claiming infringement on his trademarked name and likeness. He also claims the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation.

"That video that Kanye West put out is the most worthless piece of crap I've ever seen in my life, and he uses my image to catapult himself on the public," Knievel, 68, said Tuesday.

West could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. The suit seeks damages and to halt distribution of the video.

In the video for the song, "Touch the Sky," West dons the familiar Knievel star-studded jumpsuit and jumps a canyon in a vehicle "visually indistinguishable" from the Skycyle in which Knievel attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in 1974, the suit said.

Knievel, 68, lives in Clearwater and has been in poor health in recent years.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/10516650/detail.html

[Book Lover]

1. Evel Knievel = vulgar and offensive

Seriously. I have been a car gal my whole life - never do I recall Evel acting graciously or with dignity in public. I must hop onto YT, find Kanye's vid and post the link everywhere I go.

[Little Wing]

2. That's because 'big name' rappers are mostly copiers

copy copy copy

nothing original

When's Tupac's new CD coming out, now there was an innovator, and he's STILL puttin out teh phat beats :eyes:

[Taverner]

3. Rap innovation seems to have died in the 90's

Tupac is the last rapper that really did his own shit.

IN fact, MC Hammer was more original than the shit out there today...and I fucking HATE the Hammer.

[LynneSin]

4. West is pretty damn good when it comes to rapper and quite original

I've seen the video and it's got a great story to it along with the message from the song. Evil is just jealous cause he never had someone like Pam Anderson fawn over him (Pam is in the film)

[skygazer]

5. I didn't think it was possible to damage his reputation

Does he even have a reputation anymore? Hell, he should be delighted by the exposure.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Needs money that bad, eh?

If he's going to go for frivilous lawsuits, maybe he should go for ones which have a chance of winning.

[ceile]

7. That video has been out for close to a year (I think)

I wonder who "talked" him into suing. Personally, I hate the video, but the song is pretty damn good.