Verne Troyer Sex Tape
On June 26, 2008, Verne Troyer filed a $20 million dollar lawsuit against the gossip website TMZ and porn broker Kevin Blatt. TMZ ran a clip from a sex tape starring Troyer, who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, and ex-girlfriend Ranae Shrider.1 It was later revealed that Shrider gave TMZ permission to use parts of the video.2
On July 18, 2008, Troyer and Blatt settled the lawsuit which states that Blatt and distributor SugarDVD are required to get permission from Troyer before selling or distributing any part of the sex tape.3
Fast Facts
- Video stars: Verne Troyer and ex-girlfriend Ranae Shrider1
- Tape was allegedly taken from Troyer's home by a third party1
- Troyer filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against TMZ on June 26, 20081
- Troyer also sued Kevin Blatt, the peddler of the tape1
- Troyer is seeking $20 million in damages1
- Lawsuit with Kevin Blatt was settled on July 18, 20083
- Shrider claims the tape was filmed with her camera4
Ranae Shrider
On July 26, 2008, TMZ reported that the identity of the woman on the tape was 22-year-old model Ranae Shrider. Shrider resides in Kentucky.5
TMZ Lawsuit
Troyer filed a $20 million dollar lawsuit against TMZ and Kevin Blatt on June 26, 2008. In the suit he alleged the following: Violation of privacy, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, violation of right to publicity and misappropriation of name and likeness.1
On June 27, 2008, a Los Angeles Federal Court judge issued a restraining order banning TMZ from airing clips of the tape and prohibiting further distribution of the tape.6 However, a few days later, a judge ruled that TMZ could reinstate portions of the tape on their website after Troyer's ex-girlfriend, Ranae Shrider, admitted to giving TMZ permission to use snippets of the tape.2
Distribution Deal?
Sugar DVD, an online video rental site, allegedly offered $100,000 to Kevin Blatt for the video. Blatt has sold several other celebrity sex tapes, including the infamous Paris Hilton tape.7
Troyer Talks Sex Tape
On July 15, 2008, Troyer gave an exclusive interview to E! News in which he discussed his sex tape scandal and his relationship with Ranae Shrider. Troyer said that he felt "betrayed and hurt" by the release of the tape and felt that Shrider released the tape to get back at Troyer for ending their six month relationship.8
Kevin Blatt Settlement
On July 18, 2008, Troyer settled his lawsuit with Blatt and SugarDVD which states that Blatt and SugarDVD must get permission from Troyer before selling or distributing any part of the sex tape. Edwin McPherson, Troyer's lawyer, stated that Troyer has no intentions of giving permission for the tape to be used. Troyer is trying to stop Ranae Shrider, who claims part ownership of the tape, from distributing the tape as well. TMZ was excluded from the lawsuit since Shrider previously gave them permission to post portions of the tape on their website.3
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