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Seinfeld Defense: Lawsuits are Funny

Sez silly suits are fodder for routine

By Elizabeth Wolff,  Newser User

Posted Aug 28, 2008 12:42 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Jerry Seinfeld insisted yesterday that he didn’t slander a woman suing his wife for cookbook plagiarism because silly lawsuits are fodder for good comedy. The comic cited episodes from Seinfeld as well as his kid-friendly Bee Movie in a court filing as examples of the First Amendment-protected comedic license to poke fun at the legal system, the New York Post reports.

Missy Chase Lapine, who claimed Jessica Seinfeld ripped off her Sneaky Chef cookbook, sued Seinfeld for slander after he called her a “wacko” and a “mentally unhinged celebrity stalker” on David Letterman’s show. Attorneys said allowing the suit to proceed would forever threaten laugh lines like Kramer’s free-coffee-for-life burn settlement or a bee suing honey manufactures for exploiting his kind.

Jerry Seinfeld claims he didn't slander the woman who accused his wife of ripping off her cookbook.
Jerry Seinfeld claims he didn't slander the woman who accused his wife of ripping off her cookbook.   (AP Photo/Chris Weeks, FILE)
Cast members Renee Zellweger, left, and Jerry Seinfeld arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of Bee Movie, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in the Westwood section of Los Angeles.
Cast members Renee Zellweger, left, and Jerry Seinfeld arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "Bee Movie," Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in the Westwood section of Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Weeks)
In this photo released by the Government Press Office, Israeli President Shimon Peres, left, and U.S comedian Jerry Seinfeld, right, share a laugh during a meeting in Jerusalem, Friday, Nov. 23, 2007. Seinfeld is visiting Israel to promote the animated family film Bee Movie.
In this photo released by the Government Press Office, Israeli President Shimon Peres, left, and U.S comedian Jerry Seinfeld, right, share a laugh during a meeting in Jerusalem, Friday, Nov. 23, 2007....   (AP Photo/ GPO,Moshe Milner, HO)
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld poses in New York on Oct. 23, 2007.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld poses in New York on Oct. 23, 2007.   (AP Photo/ Jim Cooper)
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld laughs during a stop to promote his upcoming film, Bee Movie, in Toronto on Wednesday Sept. 26, 2007.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld laughs during a stop to promote his upcoming film, "Bee Movie," in Toronto on Wednesday Sept. 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn)
Actor Jerry Seinfeld and wife Jessica Seinfeld attend the premiere of Sex and the City at Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 in New York City.
Actor Jerry Seinfeld and wife Jessica Seinfeld attend the premiere of "Sex and the City" at Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 in New York City.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
In this photo provided by CBS, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, left, talks about family values with CBS Late Show host David Letterman, Monday, Oct. 30, 2007 in New York.
In this photo provided by CBS, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, left, talks about family values with CBS Late Show host David Letterman, Monday, Oct. 30, 2007 in New York.   (AP Photo/John Paul Filo, CBS)
U.S. actor Jerry Seinfeld is seen prior to the presentation of his latest movie 'Bee Movie' in Berlin Friday, Dec. 7, 2007.
U.S. actor Jerry Seinfeld is seen prior to the presentation of his latest movie 'Bee Movie' in Berlin Friday, Dec. 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
laslow
Sep 11, 2009 4:37 AM CDT
Seinfeld's the man

Seinfeld a 'funny' choice for Microsoft
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New York City • free speech • plagiarism • Jerry Seinfeld • First Amendment • celebrity • stand up comedy • slander • frivolous lawsuits • civil lawsuits • Jessica Seinfeld • cookbooks

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