Viacom Settles Defamation Lawsuit By Singer Pebbles Over TLC Biopic 'CrazySexyCool'

August 27. 2018

Pebbles

Singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid has settled the $40,000,000 lawsuit she filed against Viacom in reference to the biopic "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" which is about the life of her former protégés, R&B trio TLC. The VH1 network, owned by Viacom, produced and aired the TV movie "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" which painted Pebbles in a very bad light, as the group's founder and former manager.

TLC's Chilli (left) and Tionne (right)

VH1 heavily relied on stories provided by TLC members Tionne Watkins and Rozanda Thomas to make the film. Pebbles' attorney cited fifteen examples of lies in the film that were demonstrably false. In September 2016 a judge allowed the case to proceed. In 2016 I stated, "The defendants are taking a big risk not settling with Pebbles, who has sued them for $40,000,000" (Pebbles Scores Legal Victory In Defamation Case Regarding VH1 Movie 'CrazySexyCool:The TLC Story' As Judge States Case Can Proceed). Clearly they realized this fact and decided to pay Pebbles and undisclosed amount to settle the case, which would include her legal fees.

STORY SOURCE

Viacom Avoids Defamation Trial in Settlement Over TLC Biopic

10:15 AM PDT 8/25/2018 - Perri "Pebbles" Reid alleged VH-1's "CrazySexyCool" presented her as a "conniving and dishonest business woman who hoodwinked three innocent girls and exploited their talent for her own personal gain." Viacom won't have to face a jury in Georgia federal court after coming to a settlement with Perri "Pebbles" Reid, former manager of the 1990s R&B group TLC. A trial was set to begin on Sept. 24 but the case was administratively closed on Friday after the judge was informed of the deal.

Reid filed a $40 million defamation lawsuit in 2014 after VH-1 aired CrazySexyCool. In a complaint, she objected to being portrayed in the TLC biopic as a "conniving and dishonest business woman who hoodwinked three innocent girls and exploited their talent for her own personal gain."

Viacom attempted to get the case dismissed by presenting its film as a story told from the perspective of the two surviving members of TLC, who cooperated fully in its development. The media company urged the judge to recognize there was no actual malice in what had been broadcast and with nods to such films as Selma, The Social Network and Ray, that creative liberties were often taken by those who make docudramas...

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com

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