Lark suing National Enquirer

[SBTB Geek]

Lisa Turtle Just Said No
By Gina Serpe, E! Online
May 31, 2006, 10:35 AM PT

Time out. Not even Zack Morris would spread rumors this low. Time in.

Former Saved by the Bell star Lark Voorhies has filed suit against the National Enquirer, claiming a story published last summer alleging that she--a onetime Saturday morning staple--was battling a cocaine addiction was libelous and untrue.

According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Tuesday, and acquired by TMZ.com, the erstwhile Lisa Turtle is seeking unspecified damages from the tabloid, claiming the story cost her more than one would-be gig.

The story, published June 20, 2005, alleged that the actress was admitted to a Southern California hospital the previous month in order to treat cocaine addiction after suffering a nervous breakdown, citing a "friend" of the TV star as the source of the info.

"Poor Lark—she's really in bad shape," the Enquirer quoted the "friend" as saying. "She has a terrible drug problem and is bipolar as well. It's very tough."

In July of last year, Voorhies' doctor, Howard Askins, penned a letter addressing the claims, stating that the actress was admitted to a hospital in May of 2005, but not for substance abuse and stated specifically that "she does not have a cocaine addiction."

According to the filing, Voorhies claims she has "suffered humiliation, mental anguish, emotional and physical distress, and has been injured in mind and body" as a result of the allegations.

Included in the lawsuit are charges of libel, invasion of privacy and unauthorized use of her name, image and likeness.

"Voorhies has lost several potential acting and hosting jobs as a result of her legal name, image and likeness being associated with the magazine article stating she has a cocaine addiction," the lawsuit read.

The suit further claims that the allegations caused the actress "ridicule, scorn and contempt and has caused her great humiliation, embarrassment, and anxiety with Voorhies' family, friends, and for current, past and potential future employment."

Upholding propriety has long been an issue for the star, who, as soap lore goes, left acting gigs on both Days of Our Lives and The Bold and the Beautiful when required love-making scenes reportedly clashed with her religious beliefs.

While the former Screech-loving star is not seeking a specific payout in the suit, she has asked that the settlement exceed $25,000.

http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,...00.html?fdnews

Other articles:
"'Saved by the Bell' Actress sues tabloid," San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/14713219.htm

[Ireneparalegal]

Good for her!