Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern to Sue Author Rita Cosby Over New Book - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 09-04-2007, 10:43 PM

Link

LOS ANGELES - Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern both plan to sue the author of a new book that claims the two men shared a sexual encounter before Anna Nicole Smith's death and worked together afterward to manipulate the media and maximize profits.

"Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith's Death," by journalist Rita Cosby, hit stores Tuesday.

Birkhead, the father of Smith's infant daughter, said that though he has yet to see the book, he intends to sue Cosby, her sources and Grand Central Publishing.

"This is going to be one of the most expensive lawsuit settlements in book-publishing history," Birkhead told The Associated Press Tuesday.

Stern also planned to "file and aggressively pursue a libel case" against Cosby and her publishers, his attorney, L. Lin Wood, said Tuesday.

"The more information I have received over the last several days about Ms. Cosby's book, the more convinced I am that she has, as a practical matter, authored a work of pure fiction," Wood said in a statement.

Birkhead acknowledged meeting with Cosby several times after Smith's death in February. But he flatly denied that he and Stern, Smith's attorney and sometime boyfriend, ever shared a sexual tryst.

"It's totally false and defamatory," Birkhead said. "This book is fueled by Internet gossip and tabloid reports. She never once tried to contact me or Howard to see if any of these things were true."

Cosby claimed there is a videotape of the alleged encounter and that one of Smith's former employees had seen the Playboy Playmate watching it. But Birkhead said no tape could exist because the encounter did not occur.

Cosby quotes Birkhead on some topics in the book, she said, but not on the sexual rumors.

"We also knew what Birkhead would say because we've seen him inconsistent on many other things," she told AP Tuesday, adding that the book cites numerous sources and was "carefully vetted through attorneys at our publishing house."

"I have nothing to hide," she said. "I make no apologies for the book, and at the end of the day, the American public will see that these two men conspired to fool us all."

Birkhead denied the book's claim that he and Stern made a "secret deal" about finances and the custody of Smith's daughter, Dannielynn.

"There's been no deal cut. There's nobody even positioned to make deals," Birkhead said, noting that he is still involved in a custody dispute with Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur.

Cosby said she expected backlash from Birkhead and Stern when she started writing the book in April.

"I knew going into this that this was going to be challenged by them at every turn because they don't want the truth to come out," she said.

Birkhead said the sources Cosby cites "all have pending litigation against me so they all have axes to grind."

He also accused the author of opportunistic timing: "Rita Cosby uses this week, the week that my daughter turns one and the anniversary of (Smith's son) Daniel's death, to try to sell a book or two."

Cosby said Dannielynn inspired her to write the book.

"The real issue here and the reason I did this book was that little baby," she said. "The question is: What's ahead for her future if these two men appear to be in collusion? ... I hope that my book will expose some of the inconsistencies that have been out there and maybe have these cases given a second look."

Dannielynn turns one on Friday.

Grand Central Publishing did not return messages seeking comment.

Ireneparalegal · 09-04-2007, 10:51 PM

Is this the same author abt the Clark Gable was a homosexual book?

catlover79 · 09-04-2007, 10:53 PM

Ay carumba!

Hollow · 09-04-2007, 11:00 PM

well hell, even if it's true, to publish that information without their permission is a violation.

Ireneparalegal · 09-04-2007, 11:29 PM

I just realized the anniversary of Daniel's death is next Monday. The reason I remember is because that is the same anniversary for my father's death.

Wow! a year has gone by quick!

catlover79 · 09-04-2007, 11:31 PM

I can't believe it's been a year already - which means it'll be the baby's first birthday, too. I remember all this because MY birthday is right around that time.

FactoryGirl · 09-11-2007, 12:22 AM

Why can't Rita Cosby let this woman rest in peace? There is something about Ms. Cosby writing this book that screams ATTENTION. Wasn't this the same woman that was turned away at Anna Nicole's funeral?

I love this quote from the cash cow herself..

"I have nothing to hide," she said. "I make no apologies for the book, and at the end of the day, the American public will see that these two men conspired to fool us all."

Fool us all huh? If you hadn't shoved Anna Nicole's saga down our throats like you did......

catlover79 · 09-11-2007, 01:31 AM

Hasn't she written some nasty books about some other celebrities?? Can any one refresh my memory??

Chelsea · 09-11-2007, 02:32 AM

Calling Rita Cosby a journalist is a ridiculous, disgusting disgrace.

Zoneboy · 09-11-2007, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth

Calling Rita Cosby a journalist is a ridiculous, disgusting disgrace.

Amen to that, Seems like she either quits or gets fired from wherever she goes. She worked for WBTV in Charlotte,NC for awhile then FOX.

FactoryGirl · 09-11-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Hasn't she written some nasty books about some other celebrities?? Can any one refresh my memory??

I think Anna's is the only one, Rita is only doing this because of the media frenzy over Anna and she wants to be a part of it.

Ireneparalegal · 09-11-2007, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FactoryGirl

Why can't Rita Cosby let this woman rest in peace? There is something about Ms. Cosby writing this book that screams ATTENTION. Wasn't this the same woman that was turned away at Anna Nicole's funeral?

I love this quote from the cash cow herself..

"I have nothing to hide," she said. "I make no apologies for the book, and at the end of the day, the American public will see that these two men conspired to fool us all."

Fool us all huh? If you hadn't shoved Anna Nicole's saga down our throats like you did......

Let's just say for a moment that these two "men fooled us all..." ask me if I care? Does she really think that if these two men supposedly had some sort of liason or affair that would change anything? Does the world suddenly stop turning? Does this mean the war in Iraq will come to an end? Gimme a break, she is trying to say she wrote this book for the American public when in fact, she will be making $$$$$ off of this piece of garbage.

FactoryGirl · 09-11-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Let's just say for a moment that these two "men fooled us all..." ask me if I care? Does she really think that if these two men supposedly had some sort of liason or affair that would change anything? Does the world suddenly stop turning? Does this mean the war in Iraq will come to an end? Gimme a break, she is trying to say she wrote this book for the American public when in fact, she will be making $$$$$ off of this piece of garbage.

Thank you. Ms. Cosby acts as if this breaking news, like this so call infomation will affect our daily lives. I have news for the cash cow, it's not!

09-04-2007, 10:43 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,346	Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern to Sue Author Rita Cosby Over New Book Link LOS ANGELES - Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern both plan to sue the author of a new book that claims the two men shared a sexual encounter before Anna Nicole Smith's death and worked together afterward to manipulate the media and maximize profits. "Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith's Death," by journalist Rita Cosby, hit stores Tuesday. Birkhead, the father of Smith's infant daughter, said that though he has yet to see the book, he intends to sue Cosby, her sources and Grand Central Publishing. "This is going to be one of the most expensive lawsuit settlements in book-publishing history," Birkhead told The Associated Press Tuesday. Stern also planned to "file and aggressively pursue a libel case" against Cosby and her publishers, his attorney, L. Lin Wood, said Tuesday. "The more information I have received over the last several days about Ms. Cosby's book, the more convinced I am that she has, as a practical matter, authored a work of pure fiction," Wood said in a statement. Birkhead acknowledged meeting with Cosby several times after Smith's death in February. But he flatly denied that he and Stern, Smith's attorney and sometime boyfriend, ever shared a sexual tryst. "It's totally false and defamatory," Birkhead said. "This book is fueled by Internet gossip and tabloid reports. She never once tried to contact me or Howard to see if any of these things were true." Cosby claimed there is a videotape of the alleged encounter and that one of Smith's former employees had seen the Playboy Playmate watching it. But Birkhead said no tape could exist because the encounter did not occur. Cosby quotes Birkhead on some topics in the book, she said, but not on the sexual rumors. "We also knew what Birkhead would say because we've seen him inconsistent on many other things," she told AP Tuesday, adding that the book cites numerous sources and was "carefully vetted through attorneys at our publishing house." "I have nothing to hide," she said. "I make no apologies for the book, and at the end of the day, the American public will see that these two men conspired to fool us all." Birkhead denied the book's claim that he and Stern made a "secret deal" about finances and the custody of Smith's daughter, Dannielynn. "There's been no deal cut. There's nobody even positioned to make deals," Birkhead said, noting that he is still involved in a custody dispute with Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur. Cosby said she expected backlash from Birkhead and Stern when she started writing the book in April. "I knew going into this that this was going to be challenged by them at every turn because they don't want the truth to come out," she said. Birkhead said the sources Cosby cites "all have pending litigation against me so they all have axes to grind." He also accused the author of opportunistic timing: "Rita Cosby uses this week, the week that my daughter turns one and the anniversary of (Smith's son) Daniel's death, to try to sell a book or two." Cosby said Dannielynn inspired her to write the book. "The real issue here and the reason I did this book was that little baby," she said. "The question is: What's ahead for her future if these two men appear to be in collusion? ... I hope that my book will expose some of the inconsistencies that have been out there and maybe have these cases given a second look." Dannielynn turns one on Friday. Grand Central Publishing did not return messages seeking comment.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

09-04-2007, 10:51 PM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,689	Is this the same author abt the Clark Gable was a homosexual book?
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

09-04-2007, 10:53 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Ay carumba!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

09-11-2007, 02:32 AM	#9
Chelsea Semi-retired Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 5,727	Calling Rita Cosby a journalist is a ridiculous, disgusting disgrace.
	__________________ Chelsea Former Administrator, 2005-2012 Former Member, DVD Review Team, 2004-2010.

09-04-2007, 11:00 PM	#4
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	well hell, even if it's true, to publish that information without their permission is a violation.

09-04-2007, 11:29 PM	#5
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,689	I just realized the anniversary of Daniel's death is next Monday. The reason I remember is because that is the same anniversary for my father's death. Wow! a year has gone by quick!

09-04-2007, 11:31 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I can't believe it's been a year already - which means it'll be the baby's first birthday, too. I remember all this because MY birthday is right around that time.

09-11-2007, 12:22 AM	#7
FactoryGirl Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 10, 2007 Location: Spinning tunes at club Mood Posts: 448	Why can't Rita Cosby let this woman rest in peace? There is something about Ms. Cosby writing this book that screams ATTENTION. Wasn't this the same woman that was turned away at Anna Nicole's funeral? I love this quote from the cash cow herself.. "I have nothing to hide," she said. "I make no apologies for the book, and at the end of the day, the American public will see that these two men conspired to fool us all." Fool us all huh? If you hadn't shoved Anna Nicole's saga down our throats like you did......

09-11-2007, 01:31 AM	#8
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Hasn't she written some nasty books about some other celebrities?? Can any one refresh my memory??