Former New York Congressman George Santos is suing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for alleged fraudulent activity and copyright infringement related to Cameo videos. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that Kimmel requested, under a concealed identity, 14 Cameo videos from Santos and broadcast them on national television and social media for commercial gain. According to the suit, this breach of copyright occurred under the guise of fandom and starkly violated the original agreement.
Santos, expelled from Congress in December following an ethics report, asserts that Kimmel sought to profit from his open personality by misrepresenting himself and his intentions. In addition, Kimmel allegedly joked about the potential of being sued by Santos for fraud, an act his lawyers argue demonstrates a flagrant disregard for legal boundaries. Santos also accused Kimmel of fraud and violation of civil rights in a social media post over the weekend.
The lawsuit follows the television host’s airing of the Cameo videos beginning December 7. During a television appearance on December 11, Kimmel was quoted joking about the prospect of a lawsuit from Santos, describing it as a “dream come true.” Santos’ lawyers have since labeled his actions as clear violations of their client’s rights, referring to the on-air admission as evidence. ABC, the network airing Kimmel’s show, has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
