Judge restrains publication of nude photographs of "Dr. Laura"

CALIFORNIA–In late October, a federal district judge in Los Angeles issued a temporary restraining order preventing a World-Wide Web site from showing nude photographs of radio talk show host Laura Schlessinger, who is known to her listeners as “Dr. Laura.”

According to the order, Internet Entertainment Group is prohibited from selling, copying, reproducing or otherwise disseminating nude photographs of Schlessinger. Judge Dean Pregerson, who granted the order, has scheduled a hearing for November 2 to determine whether to issue a preliminary injunction.

According to Reuters, the 12 photographs were allegedly taken by William Ballance, who claims to have had an affair with Schlessinger in the mid-1970’s.

Internet Entertainment Group has gained notoriety during the last two years by publishing photos and videos of celebrities, including Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, which was the subject of extensive litigation.

On October 23, 1998, Schlessinger filed suit against Internet Entertainment Group, alleging copyright infringement, false designation of origin, misappropriation, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. On the same day, Schlessinger asked for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the dissemination of the photographs. (Schlessinger v. Internet Entertainment Group; Media Counsel: Derek Newman, Seattle)