Mr Jack Ass says his name is defamed

A man named Mr Jack Ass has launched a $10million lawsuit over the MTV stunt show that shares his name.

The Montana man claims MTV owners Viacom has infringed his copyright - and defamed the good name of Jack Ass.

The 44-year-old legally changed his name from Bob Craft in 1997, to raise publicity for an anti drink-drive campaign following his brother's death in a car crash.

He now sells merchandise such as certificates and beer bottles under the name Jack Ass. Ironically, for someone suing for breach of copyright, he even markets headgear which he dubs the Andi Cap.

In his writ, filed in Montana District Court, Ass says: "I feel that defendants are liable for injury to a reputation I have built and defamation of character I have created."

Jackass starr Johnny Knoxville, who is mentioned in the suit, did not seem unduly worried.

"What do I care?" he told the New Yorker. "I can't wait to get served the papers. What could be more American than just suing the living shit out of someone for no reason at all?"

The writ can be read online at the Smoking Gun.

Published: 31 Dec 2002