MIAMI.- Paramount Pictures faces a new demand presented by the actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, protagonists of the film adaptation of Rome and Juliet in 1968. On this occasion, the lawsuit is linked to the premiere of the film on the Criterion Collection classic film platform.
The stars had already filed a complaint against the studio alleging that they were victims of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse and intentional infliction of emotional distress when they were forced by the late director Franco Zeffirelli to film a sexual scene when they were under 18 years old.
Both alleged that the filmmaker had guaranteed them that there would be no sexual scenes in the film nor would they use flesh-colored suits to simulate nudity.
However, they assured that on the last day of recording, the director changed his mind, arguing that the production would fail if they did not add the controversial scene.
However, the lawsuit was dismissed in May 2023.
New demand
Now, the actors question Criterion’s reissue of the film. “Nothing in Hussey’s performance agreement with BHE granted or recognized a right in BHE to recreate, republish or redistribute photographs of his performance in the original work in any medium or format other than analog 35mm cinematographic photographs,” reads part of the document to which he had access People.
Likewise, the lawsuit states that neither Leonard nor his guardian consented in writing to or recognized: “any right in his performance to BHE, or any other entity, including, but not limited to, the right to recreate, republish or redistribute photographs of his performance.” in the Original Work in any other medium or format other than 35 mm analog cinematographic photographs.
The actors demand financial compensation for the damages suffered.
They also request a fine that is a wake-up call and serves as an example so that studios do not commit these infractions in the future.
“Also a preliminary and permanent injunction that the digital publication not be distributed with digital photos included and any other additional remedies that the court deems appropriate.”
