Farley family big ‘fat’ fight
CHRIS Farley’s family has settled its lawsuit against a well-known bicycle maker for allegedly ripping off the late comic’s fat-guy shtick — with a line of “Farley” fat-tire bikes, reports The Post’s Lia Eustachewich. The star’s kin sued Trek Bicycle Corp. for “commercially exploiting” his name with their line of bikes, which sell for as much as $5,500. The bikes feature plumper tires that provide better traction. Trek was accused of using the Farley name on at least 11 models “to immediately associate defendant Trek’s fat bikes with one of their favorite ‘fat’ and ‘loud’ comedians,” the suit says. Execs knew what they were doing when they used his name, the family alleged. Farley weighed about 400 pounds and “spent his entire career building, then capitalizing on, his unique brand of ‘fat guy’ humor and acting style,” according to the suit. One of his most recognizable skits is in “Tommy Boy,” when an obese Farley sings “Fat man in a little coat” while swaying in a too-tight blazer that eventually rips. Farley’s family — which sued under its Make Him Smile company, created to protect his p.r. and property rights — initially brought their suit in 2017 in LA Superior Court. It was moved to California federal court before being transferred last week to Wisconsin federal court, where Trek’s based, in Waterloo. The suit was settled Wednesday. Make Him Smile’s attorney Kirk Schenck said the matter was solved “amicably” but wouldn’t divulge details. “Both sides appear happy with the settlement,” he said. A rep for Trek didn’t return a message seeking comment.