Comics legend Lee claims image stolen
COMIC books legend Stan Lee is suing the entertainment company he co-founded for damages topping $1-billion (R12.5-billion), accusing bosses of trying to steal his image.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and published by several US entertainment media outlets, alleges that POW! Entertainment boss Shane Duffy and co-founder Gill Champion failed to disclose fully to Lee details of the firm’s 2017 sale to Camsing International.
The entertainment icon contends that they took advantage of him at a time when he was despondent over the death of his wife Joan and suffering from macular degeneration, a condition affecting the eyes.
The 95-year-old co-creator of many superhero characters, including Black Panther and Spider-Man, alleges he was duped into signing a fraudulent agreement that gave POW! exclusive rights to his name, identity and likeness.
There has been no response from POW! Entertainment to the lawsuit.
There were more negative headlines when it emerged last month that Lee was being sued by massage therapist Maria Carballo for sexual assault and battery.
In January, the Daily Mail reported on allegations of sexual assault and harassment by nurses who cared for Lee at his Los Angeles home. – AFP