Source: PWInsider.com
Ric Flair has filed a lawsuit against Stivers Automotive of Columbia, South Carolina, alleging that its Freedom Suzuki dealership has used his slogans, name, and likeness to promote their business without his endorsement or permission.
Flair’s lawyer-agent Eric Bland told the Charlotte Observer, “By using [Flair’s] name in an unauthorized fashion and not paying for it, it lessens the value of his persona that he has cultivated both in the ring and out of the ring over 34 years,”
The ads running feature a character named “Captain Freedom” who mentions Flair’s name along with his trademark “Whoooo!” as well as his “To be the man, you gotta beat the man” comments and also mention Flair would be competing at a scheduled WWE event. According to Flair’s attorney, the dealership sought WWE’s permission for the ads, however, never received it and aired the ads anyway.
The former World Heavyweight Champion is seeking punitive damages of more than $75,000.
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