Pitt blocks distribution of Playgirl magazine

CALIFORNIA–In mid-July, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered Playgirl magazine to discontinue distribution of its August edition, which includes nude photos of actor Brad Pitt. Records have since been sealed and the action removed to the federal District Court in Los Angeles.

A July 29 hearing on the matter was cancelled once the action was removed to the federal court, which had not set a new court date as of July 23, according to Playgirl counsel Kent Raygor.

Judge Robert O’Brien granted Pitt’s request for a temporary order restraining further sale of the magazine, but refused Pitt’s request to recall issues which had already been delivered.

“It’s unusual to have an [temporary restraining] order that is sealed,” Raygor noted, adding that because the order is sealed he was limited in his ability to discuss the case.

Pitt is suing for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming the pictures were taken by a trespassing photographer during a vacation two years ago.

At the hearing on the restraining order, Raygor countered that Pitt has no valid claim because the photos were previously published in U.S. and European magazines and are available on the Internet. (Pitt v. Playgirl Inc.; Media Counsel: Kent Raygor, Los Angeles)