Federal judge tosses ‘Borat’ suit
- Share via
A judge in New York has tossed out a defamation lawsuit brought by a businessman shown in the movie “Borat” as he is chased down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.
Federal Judge Loretta Preska says the term “newsworthy” -- defined in its most liberal and far-reaching terms -- can be applied to the 2006 hit movie.
The lawsuit had sought unspecified damages for Jeffrey Lemerond, a Dartmouth College graduate and financial analyst. In the movie, Lemerond is shown running and yelling “Go away!” as Baron Cohen’s character, a phony Kazakhstan journalist, chases him in an attempt to hug strangers.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
