TMZ Sued for Defamation by Iggy Pop Autograph Seeker

School teacher claims that celerity news outlet falsely accused him of getting in a “nasty name-calling exchange” after a Michigan concert

TMZ

For once, TMZ is finding itself at the center of a celebrity-related legal drama, rather than reporting on one.

The celebrity news outlet is being sued for defamation by a man who says he was roughed up after seeking an autograph from Iggy Pop.

In the suit, filed in circuit court in Michigan, Jason Leckrone claims that he attempted to get an autograph from Pop after an August 2016 concert that the “Lust for Life” singer was performing with Queens of the Stone Age frontman, Josh Homme.

Leckrone, who says he’s a school teacher who collects autographs as a hobby, says he was unable to obtain the autograph because security “held the crowd back,” and when Homme arrived on the scene he “said something to the effect of — I am not signing autographs for you blood-sucking eBayers. I am tired of you making money off me but I will take photos with you.”

After Leckrone  told Homme that he benefited from the people who attended the concert, the lawsuit says, the musician swore at him between taking photos, and later “approached Plaintiff” and “was right in his face screaming profanities.”

Later, the suit claims, Homme “intentionally and physically grabbed Plaintiff around the shoulders and neck area.”

Leckrone’s beef with TMZ, the suit says, is over a video of the incident that TMZ posted along with an article saying that he was involved in a “nasty name-calling exchange” with Homme.

“Those statements are untrue and cast Plaintiff in a false light,” the suit reads.

The suit, which claims defamation by TMZ, also names Homme as a defendant, alleging assault and battery. Leckrone says he suffered “emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation and psychological injuries” as a result of the alleged attack.

As for the TMZ report, Leckrone says he suffered emotional distress, humiliation, mortification, embarrassment, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Leckrone is seeking a judgment “in excess of $25,000.”

Spokespeople for TMZ and Homme have not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.

Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.

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