Author Archives: Kristen Povolny

Rap Superstar Sued for 30 Million Dollars

Musical feud

Wig designer Terrence Davidson is suing Hip Hop star Nicki Minaj for 30 million dollars. “Terrence Davidson filed suit Friday in district court in Atlanta alleging that the star not only stole his wig designs, but also cost him a potential reality show deal that he was discouraged from pursuing”. Davidson began working for Minaj in 2010 as her Hair stylist, and also began designing wigs for her to wear in her performances. The rapper has since become increasingly famous and known for her eccentric style, such as her pink and platinum blonde wigs. Davidson discovered that the superstar is now selling wigs for profit on her website, which are essentially duplicates from the various looks he initially created for her. Read More

Lawsuit Over Evil Stuffed Bear

“Lots-O’-Problems”

“Disney Enterprises has been taken to Texas federal court by a trademark owner who objects to the “Lots-O’-Huggin'” stuffed bear character in Toy Story 3“. Lots-O is a psychologically dysfunctional stuffed animal featured in the movie, and is the principal “villain”. Diece-Lisa Industries is a company located in New Jersey, who created “Lots of Hugs” stuffed toy bears, and have been licensing them since 1995. DLI has trademarks, and a registered patent as well; they also state that Disney was well aware of this patent based on previous contracts with the company. DLI affiliated with Disney for its sale of “Bear in the Big Blue House” huggable stuffed bear product. Read More

Lawsuit Over Life on Mars

Aliens among us?

Astrobiologist Dr. Rhawn Joseph, filed a lawsuit based on images shot by the Opportunity rover on Mars. NASA identified the object in question as a rock, but the scientist is stating it could be more, and a proper scientific investigation is necessary. Huffington Post states, “He is suing NASA and its administrator, Charles Bolden, in an effort to compel the space agency to take a closer look at the rock. The petition, which was filed Monday in California, calls for NASA to closely photograph and thoroughly scientifically examine and investigate a putative biological organism.” While NASA may have determined that this unidentifiable object is a rock, Joseph believes the image resembles some type of fungus. Read More

Lawsuits Claim Cover-Up at Private Youth Prison

Youth prison scandal

There is a growing nationwide trend of prisoners being placed in facilities run by for-profit companies, such as Youth Services International. Florida is at the forefront of this trend, and has elected to privatize all of its youth prisons across the state. “A pair of recent lawsuits against a private youth prison operator in Florida amplify claims that the company, Youth Services International, has frequently covered up reports that staff sexually abused young people held inside its facilities”. In one instance, an administrator at one YSI facility, repeatedly made advances toward adolescent males, and supposedly brought inmates home with him to his personal residence. A second allegation states that a guard at a separate YSI facility began an intimate relationship with a 14-year old prisoner. Read More

5 Lawsuits Filed Against Affluenza Teen

Look both ways before crossing!

16-year old Ethan Couch was recently sentenced to ten years of probation, after a drunk driving incident took the lives of four civilians. The prosecution was pushing for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, as his blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit for an adult. Huffington Post article states, “Psychologist G. Dick Miller testified for the defense that Couch suffered from “affluenza,” a condition in which his family felt that wealth bought privilege and there was no rational link between behavior and consequences.” As part of his sentence, Ethan will also be attending a luxurious private counseling center. As expected, families of the victims of Ethan’s drunk driving, have brought 5 lawsuits against both Ethan, his family, and his father’s business. Read More