'Toddlers & Tiaras' Mom Sues for Libel (VIDEO)
The mother of one of the stars for TLC's series "Toddlers & Tiaras" has filed a lawsuit against entertainment insider TMZ as well as two other news publications for libel.
The $30 million libel suit which was filed on Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court against TMZ.com, The Huffington Post and London's Daily Mail, developed from a taped performance of LMFAO's song, "I'm Sexy and I Know It."
According to the suit the online articles which were published by the three named news outlets aim to sexualize the girl by "claiming she was gyrating in a nightclub and singing about her sex appeal."
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The various articles mention that the girl's mother, Susanna Barrett, forced her daughter to perform in the video, the suit states.
"Isabella Barrett did not act or portray herself sexually, erotically or provocatively; she was not 'gyrating' at a 'nightclub' or singing 'about her sex appeal,'" Susanna Barrett claims according to court documents.
Susan Barrett claims that due to the articles being published that, "Isabella is now perceived sexually, erotically and pornographically."
While the written word "placed Isabella in serious physical danger, attracting the attention of others who would seek to sexualize a child."
According to various reports because of the articles Isabella lost a contract for a future reality show as well as investors for her Glitzy Girl jewelry line.
Shortly after the video Isabella's mother defended her videotaped performance on TMZ.
Barrett stated that her daughter was at New York's Libation for a charity event and began to sing only after the DJ asked her to.
Barrett responded to a question concerning how her young daughter knew the words to the song. Barrett replied, "We just listen to the radio, and that's a real catchy song," as reported by TMZ.
The companies being sued have yet to release any statements.
