Celebrity Justice
Reese Says 'I'm Not Pregnant' -- Sues Star Mag

TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed by Reese Witherspoon claiming Star Magazine invaded her privacy by publishing a "fictional" story that the actress was pregnant.

In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Academy Award-winning actress claims the magazine published a false story that she was pregnant "in a callous effort to boost the tabloid's sagging sales."

"Contrary to the fabricated Cover Story," the lawsuit says, "the true facts are that [Reese] is not pregnant, does not have a 'baby bump' and has not otherwise gained weight such that she has had to resort to wearing 'Empire-waist dresses,' 'baggy clothing,' or an 'old-fashioned 1920's bathing suit.'"

Reese also alleges in the suit that "this fabricated tall tale was brazenly published as a prominent and conspicuous cover story for the purpose of garnering the maximum attention to the tabloid..."



The lawsuit claims the story was a violation of Reese's privacy and portrays her in a false light. It seeks unspecified damages.

Mike Kahane, General Counsel for American Media, told TMZ, "It is a frivolous lawsuit. It has no legal merit and we intend to vigorously defend it and have every confidence that we will prevail."

We asked Kahane if Star believes Witherspoon is pregnant. He said, "The article asks the question as to whether or not she is pregnant based on her physical appearance and clothing that she was wearing and we believe we have every right to ask that question."

Witherspoon's publicist issued a statement, claiming the tabloid lied by saying "...she has been withholding or concealing this information from producers of upcoming films." The statement says Witherspoon's lawyers notified Star before the article was published, warning that the article was "...absolutely false and that it would be damaging to Witherspoon professionally as well as very distressing personally."

Click here to read the documents

Click here for photos of Reese

Filed under: Celebrity Justice, Baby Watch

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(Page 5 of 8)Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. whatever happened to the day when you would look at these stupid headlines and just laugh it off. Its the scandal rags for crying out loud...they lie 95 % of the time anyway. Who takes them serious? Suing them for something this stupid is crazy. Sounds like Catherine " sue happy" Zeta Jones is rubbing off in Hollywood.

Posted at 8:20AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Shae

62. All extraterrestrial aliens, knocking down the starlets, will also sue the tabloids for defimation. Go to law schools, kids!

Posted at 8:21AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Dan

63. I think Reese Witherspoon has every right to sue Star Magazine for what they said about her. I mean you just don't ask a woman if she is pregnant. Shame on Star Magazine how dare you. I hope she wins the lawsuit big time. You go Reese you're the best!

Posted at 8:27AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Tina Corser

64. Mike Kahane, General Counsel for American Media, told TMZ

"we believe we have every right to ask that question."

i think this is ridiculous because they didn't ask the question they told the world she is pregnant, and to those who say she shouldn't sue then shame on you...think about this what if she is trying to get pregnant and having problems doing so...would you like to see that in the mags all the time. As much as we think we all know the lives of these celebrities we don't so maybe she has other reasons to sue...if I was J.Lo I would sue and be rich just suing over the baby rumors....babies obviously sell mags .... they are just trying to cash in as usual....all the mags do it..."in touch" "celebrity Living" "ok" Ok states that it is definite and they state they are the first to mention it....she should sue them also unless of course they are owned by the same media group..


Posted at 8:30AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Kim

65. Yes has every right to . That cover shows no signs that they are suspecting or questioning whether she is pregnant. It is sad but there are people out there that truely believe what is on the cover of those magazines !?!

Posted at 8:33AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Shay

66. Well...maybe, guys, we should put that ja$mine girl on the front of a magazine and say that she doesn't have the education of a first grader...and see if she defends herself. Then if she does, tell her she has no right to defend herself because she OBVIOUSLY doesn't know how to spell the word "that."

If Reese shows no physical recognitions of being pregnant, such as weight gain, etc. then she has more than every right in the world to sue. However, I doubt that the article got as much recognition as it is right now...and knowing people they will start "realizing" a non-exsistent weight gain. What we'll do to keep ourselves entertained....sigggghhhhh.

Also, Reese Witherspoon is one of my favorite actesses of all-time.

Posted at 8:35AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Krissy

67. REESE WITHERSPOON IS JUST FAT. THATS IT! SO STAR THOUGHT SHE COULD BE PREGNANT. ITS NOT LIKE THEY SAID SOMETHING TO TARNISH HER REPUTATION!!!!! SHE IS AFTER ACCEPTANCE FROM HER PEERS AS THE ONE WHO IS GOING TO GET EVEN WITH A TABLOID! SHE NEEDS TO DONATE THE MONEY SHE IS WASTING ON THIS "LAWSUIT" TO A CHARITY AND LET "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" LIVE IN AMERICA. THIS MUST BE A JOKE! ITS TOO WHINY AND OVER SOMETHING THAT DOESNT DEFAME HER CHARACTER AT ALL. SHE IS FULL OF HERSELF!
SIGNED, AN X- FAN OF WITHERSPOON'S.

Posted at 8:43AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by BEFAIR

68. Regardless if she is or isn't It's not the magzine's right to tellt he whole world.
It was wrong and she should sue . How would they feel if they or their wives weren't pregnant and a tabloid said they were. they would be getting phone calls from family and friends wondering what's up. Or even not getting a job they wanted based on a rumor that they were expecting.

What if Reese was pregnant and for some reason she lost the baby. That in it's self is devastating but to have a tabloid say you were pregnant that would be worse.
These tabloids really do hurt more than they "inform the public" I don't buy them but I do see the covers at the check out stand and it has to be painful to constantly see faule staments about yourself plastered all over the place.
These tabloids need to sued or even shut down.

Posted at 8:48AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Elsbeth

69. To Kate, yes it is true that newpapers publish stories that may not be true. If a story isn't true, however, they print a retraction. They use words like alleged suspect because in our court system you are innocent until proven guilty, therefore it would be slander if they didn't say alleged. It is called integrity and good journalism. When tabloids print stories that say such things like so and so is pregnant, when they are not, they should be held accountable. Besides the fact of who cares if she is pregnant or not! It is none of our business. I hope Reese wins!

Posted at 8:49AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Lee Anne

70. who cares if she pregnant or not

Posted at 8:50AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by denise

71. You go, girl! The tabloids don't hesitate to make up stories that harm celebrities. I hope you win a large settlement on this one and move these rags one step closer to being shut down for good. It's time someone stands up for media integrity.

Posted at 8:50AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Judas

72. I think you are all immature and ghetto.

Posted at 8:52AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Peepee

73. Jasmine probably has 12 kids with twelve different fathers........and "dat" be about da truth".........

Posted at 8:55AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Tommy Boy

74. In the article, it states that it's only questioning whether Reese is pregnant. If you look at the cover it shows "Baby #3!" Notice the exclamation point, not a question mark. How many people only see the cover of a magazine?
Yes, Reese is rich and doesn't need the money from a lawsuit, but these tabloids DO need to be held more accountable for the information they're feeding everyone.

Posted at 9:01AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Connie

75. ok i was thinking that why does a magazine company feel it has every right to ask the question anyway...does anyone in there own personal lives walk up to a woman who has gained a little weight around the middle and say "hey are you pregnant" or better yet start telling everyone in their circle of friends and family "you know so and so has gained some weight i think she's pregnant" no people usually think someone has just gained weight and don't really question it...so what gives the mags the right to assume and everyone knows what assume means right make and ASS out of U and ME

Posted at 9:02AM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Kim

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