American Idol vs. Stripper Idol
American Idol producers don’t want everyone to make it their own…
In addition to last night’s bikini-clad contestant, this web ad for Palazio’s Men’s Club in Austin is bringing some sexy controversy to the show. Look closely and you’ll see the text, “Stripper Idol Every Thursday,” which is a weekly contest in which women have 60 seconds to dance topless for the grand prize of $500.
AI owner, FremantleMedia North America, is not amused and is suing the club for trademark infringement, claiming that the contest violates the AI trademark because it uses a logo similar to show’s and waitresses wear T-shirts with it as well. The test in a trademark case is whether there is a substantial likelihood that consumers will be confused, misled or deceived as to the sponsorship of the stripper contest.
In Popsquire’s expert legal opinion, this is ridonculous. No one in their right mind would think that AI, the show that previously kicked Frenchie off the show for posing topless for a website, is behind Stripper Idol. As new judge Kara DioGuardi would say, “Hold on a minute, bitch.”
