Los Angeles County judge Alison Mackenzie confirmed she would grant Paramount Pictures’ motion to throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, citing the First Amendment.
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
- 5/26/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Franco Zeffirelli’s son Pippo has hit out at the sexual exploitation lawsuit filed by Romeo and Juliet actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
- 1/9/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Pippo Zeffirelli, son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli, is criticizing the lawsuit brought by that film’s stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
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The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
- 1/8/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli has criticized that film’s stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting after the actors filed a sexual exploitation and child abuse lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the 1968 big screen adaptation.
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
- 1/8/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Two former child movie stars are seeking closure and not “vengeance” in a 500,000 lawsuit for nude scenes they say they were forced to perform by celebrated director Franco Zeffirelli, their manager has claimed.
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
- 1/4/2023
- by Andrew Buncombe
- The Independent - Film
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are suing over their experience making 1968’s “Romeo and Juliet”.
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
- 1/4/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were teenagers when they stunned the audiences in the 1968 version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, reports Variety.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
- 1/4/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Romeo and Juliet stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount, accusing the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Almost 55 years after Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated adaptation of Romeo & Juliet came out, the then-young stars of the film are now suing Paramount Pictures for more than 100 million for alleged sexual abuse, negligence and more.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
- 1/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet remains one of the more iconic movies based on the work of William Shakespeare, but the project wasn’t exactly free from controversy. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just 15 and 16 years old at the time of filming, respectively, and the movie included a bedroom scene which included glimpses of Hussey’s breasts and Whiting’s buttocks. The two Romeo and Juliet actors have now filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court accusing Paramount Pictures of “sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.“
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There are a handful of films that seemingly every American high schooler watches at some point in class, but Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting is arguably the one most watched. I distinctly remember my teacher warning us not to complain when Hussey lets out a wailing cry lamenting the turmoil between the Capulet and Montague families, joking, "yes, yes, she's very annoying, you'll just have to deal with it." Nowhere in my teacher's laundry list of preemptive warnings did she include the fact both Hussey and Whiting would be shown partially nude during a bedroom scene.
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
- 1/3/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet sits at the center of a lawsuit from the film’s leading actors. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have sued Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. They are seeking damages amounting to more than 500 million, according to Variety.
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
- 1/3/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Former “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount alleging sexual exploitation at the time of the 1968 film.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
- 1/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just teenagers when they electrified audiences in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
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