Demi Moore Settles Out of Court with Pacific Magazines

Demi Moore's Photo Dispute was Settled Out of Court with Pacific Magazines

Susan Jane
Melbourne, Australia - 27 September 2010

Demi Moore reaches "undisclosed" out of Court settlement

Actress Demi Moore has reportedly reached an out of court settlement for an undisclosed amount in the Australian Federal Court case against Pacific Magazines, Australian publisher of New Idea magazine.

At a brief hearing in Melbourne this morning, Federal Court Justice John Middleton was advised that an "in-principle" deal had been agreed to in the dispute over allegedly stolen photos of Ms Moore and other Hollywood stars at a 2008 post Oscars party. The terms of the settlement have not been (and will not be) disclosed to the public. Justice Middleton congratulated the parties on reaching a settlement and adjourned the hearing. He later addressed the press on the steps of the Court:

"From the media attendance, it appears there will be a large number of fans likely to be disappointed not to see Ms Moore give evidence," Justice Middleton said.

Brief details of photo copyright dispute

Moore launched legal action two years ago against Pacific Magazines over the snaps taken at an Oscars bash at the Los Angeles home of Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary. According to her statement of claim, the black and white photographs were taken on February 24, 2008, by Michael Bergerholtz and used in New Idea without her permission. Mediations in the copyright case have failed, resulting in this high-profile court case. She claims as a result she suffered loss and damage. Appearing in the photos are other celebrities - Orlando Bloom, Cameron Diaz, P Diddy, Amanda De Cadenet and Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi and former husband Bruce Willis.

Why an out of court settlement?

Media rumors were abundant that Demi Moore was to fly in to Melbourne this past weekend ready to testify in the Australian Federal Court today (Tuesday, 27 September).

The outcome of the case has not required Ms Moore to testify. So, did she make the trip to Australia to oversee her lawyers elicit a settlement out of Pacific Magazines? There have been no sightings of Moore in Melbourne. Did Pacific Magazines decide it wasn't worth losing a court battle that might see their magazine sales drop and decide to settle the matter out of court? It is unlikely that the general public will ever know the details, nor would most of us really care. This has all been a bit of a farce and will be soon forgotten.

If somebody wants to take some photos of me and publish them without my authorization, I say "Go right ahead!". I could do with a couple of hundred thousand dollars in my kick. Trouble is, my photos wouldn't even be worth a couple of hundred bucks.

It remains to be seen now whether Ms Moore donates the proceeds of her legal triumph to charity. Various other celebrities have gone to court on matters of principle and made sure the substantial winnings have made a difference to those less fortunate than themselves.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/moore-settles-200000-stolen-photos-dispute-20100926-15sgd.html

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Published by Susan Jane

I am an Australian professional writer with with 28 years of commercial experience. In 2003, I became full-time carer for my mother (now 91) who has a form of dementia. I was recently appointed as a Featured...  View profile

10 Comments

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  • Jeanne Baney11/3/2010

    I hope to see she does donate her award.

  • Catherine Spencer.10/3/2010

    Sure would be nice to make $$$$ just because someone used your pics! Must be awful to pursued so much. ;)

  • Augustlace9/27/2010

    I saw Your comment on Mike's page and checking out Your Articles! Good Article! Good to know! :)

  • Zona Zirconia9/27/2010

    ♥ great information:) I enjoyed your article. Regardless of what Demi has tried to prove over the years about being blank in the head, this goes to show that Demi's no Dummy.

  • Lorraine Yapps Cohen9/27/2010

    Whenever a person brings suit in court, they have a good chance to gain. When it's settled out of court, it means both sides won something they both agreed to. Let's see if Demi keeps her gains to herself.

  • Sandy James9/27/2010

    Great report, Susie. Photographers and celebrities just don't mix. I hope she gives her money to charity.

  • Donna Cavanagh9/27/2010

    For people who like to be in the public eye, they certainly sue a lot. I'm with you. If someone takes my pic without permission, can I sue? Mom, get ready. I'm coming after your retirement. LOL

  • Laura Cone9/27/2010

    seems like they are always suing

  • Mike Powers9/27/2010

    Judging from Ms. Moore's recent success in her chosen career, I'd say the chances of her donating her settlement to charity are not good... Excellent report, Susan!

  • Carol Roach9/27/2010

    well I guess the can have some privacy too,

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