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

Posted Jun 21st 2006 6:14PM by TMZ Staff

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

Comments [117]
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(Page 8 of 8)Previous 15 Comments

106. By the way, stars aren't the only ones people judge. A normal person walking around may be seen and someone may wonder whether or not she's pregnant. It just happens to be that her story was put in a magazine. She has money so she need not sue for that much - whether or not the "extra" is going to charities!!!

Posted at 2:19PM on Jun 22nd 2006 by @shl3y

107. who cares....really....this is so insignificant...

Posted at 8:47PM on Jun 22nd 2006 by mark

108. This was the life Reese chose, but she's done such a good job of keping her family out of the public eye. Frankly, who gives a poo if she's pregnant or not? These "Rag Tag Mags" should all go under, cause any sound minded person wouldn't read them anyway, knowing they are all full of crap. Sue their booties off!!!

Posted at 11:15PM on Jun 22nd 2006 by Pam

109. in response to the statement "we believe we have every right to ask that question." i dont think the media has any right to ask anything when it comes to a celebs personal life. what rights does the media have?! they think because theyre walking around with a stupid camera they have the right to make assumptions and judgements on peoples lives. i cant believe being nosy is considered a job.

Posted at 12:24AM on Jun 23rd 2006 by cindy

110. Big deal! Why sue? She is "happily" married with two kids. So what's the big deal?

Posted at 4:35PM on Jun 26th 2006 by Elva Rami

111. I think that anyone who PURCHASES that trash magazine is absolutly crazy. As far as believing what is actually published in it I think there is no measurement for how insane they are. You have GOT to be absolutely DESPERATE to try and ruin someone's life. Actors and actresses are human too. The fact that they have som seroius money does not give someone the right to gain or profit from some dumb fabricated (or not) story in a desperate motive for popularity.

Posted at 4:14PM on Jul 9th 2006 by CMEAD

112. first of all, reese is 2 faced. she is known to be a bitch. she even said herself she doesn't read the tabloids and that "the dog pees on it at the end of the day"

i hope she loses.

who cares if she was pregnant. she doesn't need more money buy suing. she's overpaid as it is. and she isn't a good actress.

Posted at 12:31AM on Jul 20th 2006 by sarah

113. Reese has all the right to SUE!!!!! im sure she is embarress that people though she was pregnant so they put it up in magazines and all of a sudden they found out that she is not pregnant, shes fat.......and they show the world! Thats so wrong. I hope she WINS!!!!! At least she is doing something about it, unlike some of the other stars!!

GOOD LUCK REESE.......your going to need it

Posted at 2:02AM on Jul 28th 2006 by Victoria

114. Reese is a very good actress.........i love her movies.....and even her! She is a careing mother and a loving wife........it looks like she has a happy life and doesnt need it to be ruined by stupied paparazzi!!!!!!!! What did she do???? She is not like Paris Hilton or those other SLUTS....................now those people can get there lifes ruined cause they dont have one.........LEAVE POOR REESE ALONE!!!!!!
I hope she wins for good..................at least she is doing something about it!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU REESE.....im praying for you!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
-hugs-

Posted at 10:06PM on Jul 28th 2006 by Penny

115. Rock Reese! You're doing the right thing for the false story that people thinks you're not sexy because you looks pregnant even though you're not..

Posted at 2:59PM on Aug 1st 2006 by Grace

116. She's my role model star and I've to say Reese is absolutely right to protect her carrer..Go for it and kick their ass...

Posted at 3:01PM on Aug 1st 2006 by Grace

117. go Reese! u have EVERY right 2 sue, that is totally horrid they did that, + if this is wrong, it makes me wonder how much they print is true??? they have NO right to go into your private life like that!

Posted at 6:22PM on Aug 2nd 2006 by Rachel

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