Liar Liar! Hollywood Ladies Take on Libel in Los Angeles

Kate, Cameron, and Reese all have something in common. That is, something besides being beautiful A-list actresses who land lead roles and take home million dollar paychecks.  All three have filed lawsuits against American Media, parent company to tabloids such as the National Enquirer and Star Magazine.

But just what were the respective rumors that got each of these ladies riled and dialing the nearest  injury attorney in Los Angeles to defend their good names?

In May 2005 The National Enquirer ran a an article entitled “Cameron Caught Cheating”  which claimed that the star  was having an affair with married TV producer  Shane Nickerson and ran photos in which they said the two were kissing. Diaz, who was then dating singer Justin Timberlake, sued the magazine for more than $10 million dollars. The BBC reported that Nickerson stated that they were “simply sharing a brief goodbye” and in the end the court awarded Diaz “substantial damages” for the false story.

Back in 2006 Reese Witherspoon may have been channeling her inner Elle Woods when she sued American Media in  Los Angeles Superior Court, citing invasion of privacy, for a Star Magazine article that claimed she was pregnant and wearing “empire dresses” and “baggy clothing” to cover up the pregnancy. The magazine ran the story accompanied by pictures of Witherspoon in what they described as a “1920s style bathing suit” as proof that the star had something to hide.

This year Kate Winslet took her turn against American Media for an article that ran in the Daily Mail back in January. The libel in this case?  The British actress said that the magazine lied when they printed that she lied about her exercise habits. The article called into question her claim that she did not go to the gym regularly but worked out at home.  In the end Winslet was awarded $41,000 when she “exercised” her right to fight what she maintained was a fitness falsehood.

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