Homeless San Diegan sues
over appearance in
'Bumfights' film
(03-07) 03:56 PST SAN DIEGO (AP) --
A homeless man seen fighting a woman in the
controversial "Bumfights" video is suing the
filmmakers for allegedly violating his privacy.
Peter LaForte says he never gave the
filmmakers permission to videotape him fighting
the 275-pound woman, known as "Porkchop," in
a public restroom at San Diego's Ocean Beach
in 2001.
The explosive brawl that ensued is the first
scene on the videotape, "Bumfights: A Cause for
Concern," which was sold over the Internet for
$20 a copy.
> The film, promoted by radio shock jock Howard
> Stern and denounced on the floor of the House
of Representatives, has sold more than 300,000
copies.
LaForte's lawsuit, filed Tuesday in San Diego
Superior Court, said the homeless man suffered
"constant shame, embarrassment and
humiliation," as a result of the video. LaForte,
31, said the filmmakers paid the woman to fight
him and that he tried to decline before she
attacked him.
The defendants "should not be allowed to profit
from their wrongful conduct," his lawyer said.
Attorney Doug Gilliland, who represents the
filmmakers, said he believes that after his clients
tell their side of the story "the civil case is going
to go the same way as the criminal case."
In January, Superior Court Judge Larrie Brainard
dismissed felony battery and soliciting charges
against filmmakers Ryan McPherson, 19;
Zachary Bubeck, 25; Daniel J. Tanner, 21; and
Michael Slyman, 21, ruling there was insufficient
evidence to prosecute them.
The four have pleaded innocent to misdemeanor
charges, including conspiracy to stage an illegal
fight.
over appearance in
'Bumfights' film
(03-07) 03:56 PST SAN DIEGO (AP) --
A homeless man seen fighting a woman in the
controversial "Bumfights" video is suing the
filmmakers for allegedly violating his privacy.
Peter LaForte says he never gave the
filmmakers permission to videotape him fighting
the 275-pound woman, known as "Porkchop," in
a public restroom at San Diego's Ocean Beach
in 2001.
The explosive brawl that ensued is the first
scene on the videotape, "Bumfights: A Cause for
Concern," which was sold over the Internet for
$20 a copy.
> The film, promoted by radio shock jock Howard
> Stern and denounced on the floor of the House
of Representatives, has sold more than 300,000
copies.
LaForte's lawsuit, filed Tuesday in San Diego
Superior Court, said the homeless man suffered
"constant shame, embarrassment and
humiliation," as a result of the video. LaForte,
31, said the filmmakers paid the woman to fight
him and that he tried to decline before she
attacked him.
The defendants "should not be allowed to profit
from their wrongful conduct," his lawyer said.
Attorney Doug Gilliland, who represents the
filmmakers, said he believes that after his clients
tell their side of the story "the civil case is going
to go the same way as the criminal case."
In January, Superior Court Judge Larrie Brainard
dismissed felony battery and soliciting charges
against filmmakers Ryan McPherson, 19;
Zachary Bubeck, 25; Daniel J. Tanner, 21; and
Michael Slyman, 21, ruling there was insufficient
evidence to prosecute them.
The four have pleaded innocent to misdemeanor
charges, including conspiracy to stage an illegal
fight.
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