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Writer's pictureMuna Evans

Video App featuring George Santos turns into legal attack against Jimmy Kimmel.

In a dramatic legal twist, former U.S. Representative George Santos has taken legal action against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, ABC, and Walt Disney Co., alleging that he was misled into creating Cameo app videos that were later used to mock him on national television.


The Allegations: Santos, facing expulsion from the House of Representatives due to charges of fraud and stealing from donors, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. district court for the southern district of New York. The charges include copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.


Deception Unveiled: Kimmel, according to Santos, misrepresented himself to exploit the ex-lawmaker's "gregarious personality." The deception unfolded through the Cameo app, where Santos received requests for personalized video messages. Unbeknownst to him, Kimmel submitted at least 14 requests with phony names and narratives.


Late-Night Segment: "Will Santos Say It?" The culmination of this deceptive saga occurred on Kimmel's show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," in a segment titled "Will Santos Say It?" The videos Santos created, unaware of their ultimate purpose, were played during this segment, drawing laughter from the audience.


Humor vs. Legal Consequences: While the humor in Kimmel's fake requests is acknowledged, Santos's attorney, Robert Fantone, emphasized that such actions constituted a clear violation of copyright law. The lawsuit raises questions about the ethical boundaries of entertainment and personal exploitation.


Legal Pursuits and Damages: Santos is seeking statutory damages totaling $750,000 for the five videos played on the show and shared on social media platforms. Additionally, he is requesting other damages to be determined during the trial. As the legal battle unfolds, it brings attention to the delicate balance between entertainment, personal boundaries, and the consequences of public exposure.


Conclusion: This legal battle between George Santos and Jimmy Kimmel offers a glimpse into the complexities surrounding entertainment, personal boundaries, and the legal ramifications of public exposure. As the case progresses, it prompts reflection on the responsibility and consequences that come with wielding influence in the public eye.

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