Famed daredevil Evel Knievel has reportedly filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Kanye West claiming the Chicago bred rapper tarnished his image in the video for the single "Touch The Sky."
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the suit was filed in U.S. District Court. In the suit, Knievel accuses West of illegally using his image and tainting it with vulgar, sexual and racially charged content.
The "Touch the Sky" video features West as a daredevil named "Evel Kanyevel" who cavorts with actress Pamela Anderson before attempting to ride a rocket across a canyon.
In the video, West is dressed in a white star-spangled jumpsuit which is similar to the jumpsuit that Knievel wore while performing his stunts.
According to Knievel's lawsuit, the former daredevil trademarked his name and image in 2001. His attorney, Richard Fee, also revealed that the video mimics his client's famous attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974.
"It's not just a three-second snippet," Fee explained to The Times. "The whole video is about Kanye West portraying Evel Knievel. It's rather blatant and obvious."
Knievel, who is seeking royalty payments and damages, claims he is most concerned with the video's sexually charged content, which he says hurts his reputation as a role model for children.
"The guy just disgraced me. I have done the best I can to set an example for children, and then this guy comes along and tries to rip it apart," said Knievel. "In my opinion, this video maybe reflects West and his way of life, but it's sure not mine."
Knievel is also seeking a court order prohibiting West from using his image and hopes to halt showings of the video.
"I don't want my children or my grandchildren associated with this kind of thing," emphasized Knievel. "I want it stopped."
Knievel's suit also names Roc-A-Fella Records and the videos' director, Chris Milk.
West's publicist did not respond to a request for comment.
http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/10446
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Famed daredevil Evel Knievel sues Kanye West for "Touch The Sky" video...
The irony? Evil Knievel just pulled a Kanye.
