Author Sues Seinfelds Over 'Copycat' Cookbook

The author who blasted Jessica Seinfeld for allegedly stealing her cookbook ideas slapped Seinfeld and her funnyman hubby with a lawsuit today, simultaneously accusing Jerry Seinfeld of defaming her character, the Smoking Gun reports. After Missy Chase Lapine accused his wife of plagiarizing her book, The Sneaky Chef, Jerry Seinfeld called her "hysterical" on David Letterman's show, comparing her to "wackos," stalkers, and assassins.

Lapine's complaint calls the comedian's barbs a "malicious, premeditated, and knowingly false and defamatory attack" and alleges that Jessica Seinfeld's plagiarism "gives new meaning to the terms 'arrogance' and 'greed.'" The couple's lawyer called the lawsuit a "misguided use of the legal system" and pointed out that Jerry Seinfeld is "entitled to his opinions." (More Missy Chase Lapine stories.)