Celebrity Justice
Naked Cowboy to M&Ms -- Bite Me!

The Naked Cowboy -- yeah, that guy from Times Square -- is suing Mars, Inc. for using his trademark tighty-whities and guitar on a dancing M&M, and he tells TMZ that the company offered him $50,000 to shut up. But he sure as hell doesn't plan to.


The nearly naked guy -- real name, Robert Burck -- wants around $6 million from Mars, according to papers filed in Federal Court in New York. And, as he told us yesterday, he intends to wear his minimalist getup in open court -- and says he wants his lawyer to do the same, just for solidarity.

Curiously, the Naked Cowboy M&M -- which was playing on a screen above the M&M store -- was no longer dancin' and strummin' as of yesterday.

NON-SUGAR-COATED UPDATE:
Mars has issued a statement, saying, "We do not comment on matters related to litigation. However, as a good corporate citizen, Mars will handle this matter accordingly. As one of the world's top-selling snackfoods, we take pride in the longstanding connection that our consumers feel toward the M&M'S Brand."



Tags: Naked Cowboy, NakedCowboy

Reader Comments

(Page 5 of 5) Previous 15 Comments

61. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. He should be honored anyone cared enough to think of him as an "icon" worth emulating. If he wants to strut around all day freezing his "ass"ets off, then go for it. But if an animated M&M wants to do the same it should be "his" choice to do so. Its freedom of speech, or wardrobe, or something.

Isn't there anything more interesting going on in NYC? If not, then I might just cancel my upcoming trip there.

Posted at 11:26AM on Feb 15th 2008 by katand7

62. Hi katand7,

It isn't a matter of honor for either party. It is complete dishonor. It doesn't fall under the pretense of "Freedom of Speech".

I'd like to point out that Freedom of Speech is a basic right and ownership of trademark is an earned, authorized and federally mandated right. A simple dismissal of Mr. Cowboy's Trademark and value of the law that protects him under the Lanham Act is a direct disregard to the institution that provides everyone their basic rights.

Posted at 12:24PM on Feb 15th 2008 by NYC Onlooker

63. If his lawyers briefs are as tight as his, he's sure to win!

Posted at 2:59PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Mark

64. I think mars is getting what they deserve, he has every right to protect his image... and how idiotic of them to use it without talking to him first, his permission and a signed contract... really sloppy... hope he wins a bundle!

Posted at 5:48PM on Feb 15th 2008 by blinga

65. He has been naked before. He has done at least two layouts in Playgirl Magazine under his real name. Check them out, he is hot!!!

Posted at 11:47AM on Feb 16th 2008 by Jack

66. I saw this guy in New Orleans over Mardi Gras weekend. Had no idea he was TMZ famous. YEEHAH!!!! I'm 6 degrees away from the REAL trainwrecks!!

Posted at 10:29AM on Feb 16th 2008 by spacecataz

67. He is getting his 15 minutes of fame. I saw him on tv bragging about how much he makes being the naked cowboy. He doesn't need to try and make up some ridiculous law suit. The more attention the media gives him the more important he thinks he is.

Posted at 9:03PM on Feb 17th 2008 by Bea

68. Hey TMZ reporters, just to let you know the clip from the M&M's comercial you played the other day is in Polish, not Czech, and loosly translated "Czekoladowe M&M's, Leca w kulki" means "Chocolate M&M's, love the round".

Posted at 9:56PM on Feb 22nd 2008 by Maggie Scarlett

69. thanks for the interesting news

Posted at 1:04PM on Mar 2nd 2008 by Foxy

70. Well, maybe Mars was giving him free publicity.

Didnt he think of that?


Maybe he'll get more dollar bills in his undies...er...I mean, guitarcase.

Posted at 4:29PM on Apr 3rd 2008 by tipdipper22

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