National Enquirer Sued by Ashley Olsen

By Shannon Gossage

Olsen’s lawsuit names the Enquirer and its publisher, American Media Inc., in the suit over the February 21 cover story. The story features a photo of Olsen with her eyes half-closed, which was "clearly designed to create the misimpression that she was drugged" and the title "Ashley Olsen Caught in Drug Scandal." She is suing for libel and false light invasion of privacy. Per the suit, each cause of action seeks $20 million in compensatory damages for "damages to the plaintiff’s reputation, career, and standing in the community."

The suit alleges that the headline and accompanying photo were intended to give the impression that Olsen was involved in a drug scandal, but in fact the article has "no information linking Ashley to the use or sale of drugs." The article actually focuses on Ashley’s new beau, Scott Sartiano. The story alleges that Sartiano admits to drug use and that he reportedly offered drugs as bribes to testify in a court case against a former acquaintance. Olsen’s suit states that she and her lawyers believe that "freedom of the press is a valuable right, but it is not a license for gossipy tabloids to tar and feather innocent celebrities and destroy their reputations and businesses for the rags’ profits."

The suit alleges that Olsen’s career and reputation could, in fact, be damaged because her "career and livelihood depend on her public reputation and, in part, on her appeal to younger girls." The other Olsen, Mary-Kate, threatened to sue American Media Inc. last year after they published reports that she suffered from a drug addiction that caused her weight problems.