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Feud case proceeds for 101 yr old Olivia de Havilland

LA judge rules veteran star can proceed with her lawsuit against Ryan Murphy miniseries.

An LA court last week gave 101 year old Olivia de Havilland welcome news in her lawsuit against FX over its portrayal of her in the Ryan Murphy miniseries, Feud: Bette and Joan.

Last week a judge said that FX won’t be allowed to strike her complaint on First Amendment grounds.

Ms. de Havilland, the only surviving principal portrayed in the series, claims she has built a reputation for integrity and dignity. But she took issue with her portrayal by Catherine Zeta-Jones as a hypocrite who sold gossip to promote herself.

FX claimed that de Havilland’s consent was not needed to include her in the show, nor did her inclusion violate her right of publicity, citing the state’s statutes protecting petition and free-speech rights.

But L.A. Superior Court Judge Holly Kendig ruled that de Havilland’s complaint will stand, unless the defendants successfully appeal the decision.

Kendig concluded that Ms. de Havilland has showed a minimal probability of prevailing on the merits of her claims.

Because of her advanced age, the judge has fast-tracked the trial to late November, unless FX appeals.

The defendants have also indicated they wish to depose de Havilland, who is currently residing in France. Her attorneys plan to depose Murphy, Zeta-Jones and others involved with Feud next month.

Source: Hollywood Reporter, LA Times

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