The Gap is getting ready to do battle with reality star Kim Kardashian.
Folks might remember that Old Navy (which is a Gap brand) ran a commercial starring an actress named Melissa Molinaro, who boasts a not-so-subtle similarity to Kardashian. Ms. Kim promptly sued the retailer, claiming, according to a buzzy article from the Hollywood Reporter, that the commercial "created confusion in the marketplace and violated her rights to her name and likeness." Kim wants $20 million for her trouble.
The Gap may be rolling its eyes, but the company isn't rolling over. The retailer has launched an investigation to see whether Kardashian's reputation really was sullied as her lawsuit insists. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the investigation and its aftermath could take about a year to resolve.
If things progress as planned, the legal battle could get really interesting. According to the New York Post, legal experts predict that "Kardashian herself, as well as her doppelganger and the creative forces behind the commercial, could end up on the witness stand."
Who else might be called? The Hollywood Reporter contends that Reggie Bush, the NFL star who dated both Kardashian and Molinaro, may be asked to testify. "Bush reportedly began dating Molinaro after the Old Navy commercial came out, and the defendants are going to make Bush's relationship with both Kardashian and Molinaro an issue. It's unclear what legal purpose this serves, but it's further proof of how personal this case has become."
Investigators for the Gap also intend to speak with representatives from Bebe and Sears, two retailers that used to have professional relationships with Kim Kardashian.
It's been a rough couple of months for Kim and family. Last week, the Kardashians responded to a report that the Kardashian brand is losing its luster. Back in September, Kim and Kourtney were memorably mocked by two newscasters. And then there was the wedding... yeah, the less said about that, the better.
By Mike Krumboltz
Yahoo! TV
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