Lewis 'to sue' over Chriac prank

Jerry Lewis is considering suing an American radio station after one of its DJs posed as him in a conversation with Jacques Chirac.

The French President was duped into discussing Saddam Hussein and the war in Iraq with Ralph Garman, an entertainment reporter with Los Angeles-based KROQ 106.7.

But Lewis, who is a comedy hero to the French, didn't see the funny side of the prank.

His lawyer Alan Isaacman told entertainment website ew.com: ''Jerry is outraged that this impersonation occurred, especially at this critical time in the conduct of foreign policy,

'These are life and death matters, and the last thing that's needed is someone getting involved in this situation in a false manner. It's reprehensible and irresponsible, and we intend to pursue the appropriate remedies.''

The station did not comment on the hoax.

During the phone call, Chirac assured Garman: ''I recognize your voice, no doubt about that.''

And the president even invited the imposter to visit him in Paris, saying: ''Understand one thing: France and I will always be friends with America, even if we have two different views of this problem.''

Published: 22 Mar 2003