Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner is suing toy manufacturer Hasbro for $5 million over a toy hamster bearing her name.
“By its unlawful actions, Hasbro has implied — falsely — Faulkner’s association with, approval, and endorsement of Hasbro and/or the Harris Faulkner Hamster Doll and has violated Faulkner’s right to control the use of her name and likeness,” Harris’ laywer wrote in documents filed at the US District Court in New Jersey.
“In addition to its prominent and unauthorized use of Faulkner’s name, elements of the Harris Faulkner Hamster Doll also bear a physical resemblance to Faulkner’s traditional professional appearance, in particular tone of its complexion, the shape of its eyes, and the design of its eye makeup,” the suit continues, adding that such a portrayal is “demeaning and insulting.”
The suit goes on to allege that Faulkner reached out to Hasbro earlier this year to demand they stop using her name on the toy but received no response.
Faulkner also said she is unhappy that her name is associated with a toy which is clearly labeled as a choking hazard on the packaging. However, Hasbro has taken issue with that part of the lawsuit.
“While we generally do not comment on litigation matters, it is critically important to correct a false statement made by Ms. Harris in the complaint regarding the safety of the product,” a spokesperson for Hasbro told TheWrap. “The Littlest Pet Shop product identified, and all products in the Littlest Pet Shop line, meet and exceed all safety standards.”
Faulkner first joined Fox News as a correspondent in 2005, rising through the ranks to become the anchor of “Fox Report Weekend” and a co-anchor on “Outnumbered.” She has won six Emmy Awards, including the 2004 Emmys for Best Newscaster and Best News Special.
