Actress Model Sues Distiller Over Controversial 'Rape' Ad

(Photo credit: Angelo)In Alicyn Packard v. Moet Hennessy USA, Inc. (Case No. BC481858) filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court last week, an actress/model sued the maker of Belvedere Vodka for negligent infliction of emotional distress and misappropriation of  likeness [Cal. Civ. Code sec. 3344].

As reported by THR, Esq., Courthouse News Service and elsewhere, Packard, best-known for her voice work in the animated The Mr. Men's Show, alleges an image of her and actor Chris Strickland, taken from an Awkward Moments comedy short, was used without her (or his) permission in an online ad on March 23. The image depicts a frightened Packard being grabbed from behind by a smiling Strickland and is accompanied by advertising copy that reads "Unlike some people, Belvedere always goes down smoothly."

According to the 10-page complaint, the plaintiff alleges the ad, which has since been pulled, sparked a negative online response for what she claims was its double-entendre message suggesting nonconsensual sexual conduct. Belvedere's president apologized on the company's Web site and indicated the vodka company had contributed to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.