Woman claims comic stole film idea

Chris Rock is being sued for £3.5million by a woman who claims he stole the idea of his new documentary about the black hair industry from her.

Regina Kimbell alleges the comic’s new Good Hair film was inspired by her 2005 documentary My Nappy Roots, which features celebrities talking about their styles.

In her $5million lawsuit filed at Los Angeles District Court, Kimbell says she showed Rock her film on the set of his TV series Everybody Hates Chris two years ago – which he subsequently ripped off.

Rock’s film, out in the US on Friday, examines the multi-million pound industry for giving black woman straight hair, whether through chemical relaxants or artificial weavers, rather than the natural Afro.

Here is an extract from My Nappy Roots, which is subtitled A Journey Through Black Hair-itage.:

And the official trailer for Rock’s film:

Published: 6 Oct 2009