Documentary maker sues Sen. Kerry

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A spokesman for Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., says a defamation suit filed against Kerry in Philadelphia federal court is a publicity stunt.

The suit accuses Kerry of defaming Carlton Sherwood of Harrisburg, Pa., by attacking his documentary "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday. The documentary was an unflattering portrait of Kerry, a Vietnam hero turned anti-war activist.

Among the many claims contained in the suit is one that Kerry's criticism of the documentary released during last year's presidential campaign prompted Sinclair Broadcasting to back off its plan to air the film on its 62 stations.

A Kerry spokesman said Sherwood's co-plaintiff, the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation, has links to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which accused Kerry of lying about his military medals.

"This is simply more of the same smears and sleaze ... from more of the same serial liars who disgraced themselves in 2004," said Kerry spokesman David Wade. "It's too bad the truth doesn't matter to the right wing when there's a chance to fund-raise based on outright falsehood and slander."

He said Kerry dismissed the suit as nothing more than a publicity stunt.