Woody Allen sues American Apparel over ads

NEW YORK, April 1 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Woody Allen is suing American Apparel Inc. for $10 million for using his likeness in billboard ads in New York and Los Angeles, court papers show.

Allen's attorneys filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York Monday, accusing the trendy clothing company of violating his civil rights and suggesting he endorses the company, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

The photo featured in the ads comes from a scene in the movie "Annie Hall," in which Allen's character, Alvy Singer, meets his girlfriend Annie Hall's Christian family.

"Allen was unaware that AAI was going to utilize his image on its billboards and Web site. Allen was not contacted, nor did he in any way give his consent to the use of his image and likeness and he was not in any way compensated," the lawsuit claims.

"AAI's unlawful use of Allen's image for commercial advertising purposes is especially egregious and damaging because Allen does not commercially endorse any products in the Unites States of America."

The Post said the company did not return a phone call seeking comment.