K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup - September 2024 #2

Sports:

NFL

• A woman in Texas filed a new lawsuit last Monday accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in 2020. Deshaun Watson is accused of sexual assault in new lawsuit – Washington Post
• A circuit court judge in Florida has dismissed a lawsuit two women filed against former NFL and Temple kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars that accused McManus of sexually assaulting them on the team’s overseas flight to London in 2023. Judge dismisses sexual assault lawsuit against ex-NFL kicker Brandon McManus and the Jaguars – The Philadelphia Inquirer
• The Houston Texans have accused a local pipeline coating company of falling behind on payments for a box suite inside its stadium, in breach of a five-year lease agreement, according to a lawsuit filed in Texas state court. Houston Texans Say Pipeline Co. Owes $1.4M On Suite Lease – Law360

NCAA

• The Atlantic Coast Conference told a Florida appellate panel Wednesday that a lower court should have paused Florida State University‘s complaint over sports media rights while a similar lawsuit the ACC brought first in North Carolina proceeds, saying it’ll suffer irreparable harm if both actions proceed at the same time. Panel Told ACC’s Suit Against FSU Must Play Out First – Law360
• Four former Michigan football players, including former quarterback Denard Robinson and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, filed a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and Big Ten Network for being denied NIL opportunities during their college playing careers. Former Michigan football players seek $50M in NIL lawsuit against NCAA, Big Ten Network – SI
• Thousands of documents turned over by Michigan State University reveal nothing new about what the school might have known about years of sexual abuse committed by Larry Nassar, the campus doctor who assaulted female athletes, the state attorney general said Wednesday. Authorities find no smoking gun in Nassar records held by Michigan State University – AP

NBA

• Former New York Knick Charles Oakley can depose team owner and Madison Square Garden CEO James Dolan in the ongoing assault and battery suit related to Oakley’s ejection from the venue in 2017, a federal court said. Ex-Knick Charles Oakley Can Depose Dolan Over MSG Ejection – Bloomberg

GOLF

• Attorney Larry Klayman loses again. A Palm Beach County (Fla.) circuit court judge last Friday dismissed a lawsuit accusing the PGA Tour of overcharging for tickets at five events held in 2023 and 2024. PGA Tour secures dismissal of fourth amended complaint in suit brought by attorney Larry Klayman – Golfweek

Entertainment:

MUSIC

• Disbanded rock band The White Stripes -consisting of formerly married duo Meg and Jack White -have sued former President Donald Trump in NY federal court for using the iconic introductory riff of its Grammy-winning song “Seven Nation Army” on a social media clip without permission, and despite its members publicly denouncing the hit’s use during Trump’s 2016 presidential run. White Stripes sue Donald Trump over the use of ‘Seven Nation Army’ riff in social media post | AP News Meanwhile, the former president has been found liable to pay damages to London singer and songwriter Eddy Grant for using his song “Electric Avenue” without permission. Donald Trump loses Electric Avenue legal fight with Eddy Grant (bbc.com) And a federal court has ruled that he cannot use “Hold On, I’m Comin’” at future campaign events. ‘Hold On,’ Don’t Play Me: Court Says Trump Can’t Use Song – Law360
• Pop singer Dua Lipa wasn’t able to persuade a CA federal judge to toss a copyright infringement claim in a suit over her hit song “Levitating” by a producer who alleges some of his samples were used without permission, but did get an accounting claim thrown out. Court allows copyright infringement suit over Dua Lipa’s megahit Levitating to proceed – Music Business Worldwide
• A first-of-its-kind federal indictment accusing a man of making over $10 million by falsely boosting streaming numbers for AI-generated music demonstrates another threat to artists and a need for fraud-prevention vigilance by platforms. Southern District of New York | North Carolina Musician Charged With Music Streaming Fraud Aided By Artificial Intelligence | United States Department of Justice
• The rights management group Broadcast Music Inc. asked a federal judge to intervene in licensing negotiations with SirusXM Radio LLC after the two failed agree upon a new fee rate. BMI Takes SiriusXM To Court Over Royalty Rates (billboard.com)

FILM & TELEVISION

• Francis Ford Coppola, the multi-Oscar-winning “Godfather” trilogy director, accused entertainment publication Variety in Los Angeles state court of defaming him in a July article discussing his behavior while directing his new movie Megalopolis, saying he’s owed at least $15 million in damages. Francis Ford Coppola sues Variety over story alleging ‘Megalopolis’ misconduct | AP News
• Consumers’ allegations that AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. illegally shared the movie-watching information of online ticket buyers with Meta Platforms Inc. will be heard in federal court rather than before an arbitrator. AMC Class Action Lawsuit Explained: Key Details And Compensation Insights (lawbattlefield.com)

MEANWHILE, IN HOLLYWOOD…

• Bravo TV personality and “The Vanderpump Rules” star Lala Kent sued a cosmetics company, alleging it continued to use her trademark without permission after their joint business venture dissolved. Vanderpump Rules Star Sues Ex-Business Partner Over Trademark (bloomberglaw.com)
• Harvey Weinstein was charged in a new indictment as Manhattan prosecutors prepare to retry the disgraced Hollywood mogul after his previous sex-crimes conviction was overturned. Harvey Weinstein indicted on additional sex crime charges, New York prosecutors say – CBS New York (cbsnews.com)