Celebrities
Gloria Allred Sues ‘Octomom,’ Alleges Possible Child Labor Violations
Posted May 4, 2009 4:48 PM CST
By Martha Neil
Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred has filed a petition seeking the appointment of a guardian to protect the financial interests of octuplets born to Nadya Suleman.
In addition to filing the Orange County Superior Court suit on behalf of former child actor and child labor advocate Paul Petersen, Allred has also asked the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement to investigate whether the treatment of the eight babies complies with California state law concerning child performers, reports the L.A. Now blog of the Los Angeles Times.
"Rather than choosing to provide her children with a normal life, their mother, Nadya Suleman, has chosen instead to commercially exploit them,” says Allred in a written statement provided to the Times. “We believe that the babies are entitled to remuneration, since much, if not most, of the compensation appears to be for the use of their images.”
Suleman, who is known as "Octomom," reportedly has allowed the infants to be filmed by the RadarOnline.com celebrity website and is marketing still photographs of them through a professional agency.
Additional coverage:
Associated Press: "Child Advocate Wants Octuplet Guardian Appointed"
N.Y. Daily News: "Octomom Nadya Suleman sued by celeb lawyer Gloria Allred for exploiting her babies"
ABAJournal.com: "‘Octomom’ Nadya Suleman Seeks Trademark of Tabloid Moniker"
Update at 9:10 p.m. to add link to Associated Press coverage.
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Comments
B. McLeod
May 5, 2009 12:43 AM CST
With or without the media exploitation, these wee ones have little prospect of a “normal life.”
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Al Veoli
May 5, 2009 5:18 AM CST
What gives Gloria Allred jurisdication to file this petition? I am not a big fan of Octomom, but I don’t understand how Allred can step forward and steal the spotlight. I think Octomom has issues, such that I would stay far, far, far away if I were a single guy with money.
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B G Fort Worth
May 5, 2009 6:42 AM CST
Gloria Allred can’t possibly have standing in this matter. Like most I am not a fan of the Octomom but she has rights, she is in the spot light and California has strict protective laws regarding children and their acting and alike. Gloria Allred needs to get a real client!
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RC
May 5, 2009 9:48 AM CST
I hope Gloria Allred is doing this out of conviction, but I can’t help but think that she is a media hound looking for the scoop. What better way to get it than to be involved. She seems to be all about putting her face out there at every opportunity. Sad.
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JN
May 5, 2009 10:59 AM CST
Welcome to Octopia! *techno music plays*
-The Simpsons
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fed up
May 5, 2009 12:09 PM CST
in 20 years or so the children may be very happy that Allred filed suit to protect their interests.
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CJ
May 5, 2009 12:25 PM CST
Gloria Allred is like an obnoxious dog. She sniffs around where she isn’t wanted brining and people on the left say ... aww she’s so cute.
That having been said “Octomom” is off her rocker and someone needs to do something to protect these kids. As long as Ms. Allred doesn’t collect any fees or taxpayer money for her little crusade, she could probably make sure that these kids have some money left when they’re old enough to appreciate it.
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sd
May 5, 2009 4:49 PM CST
Gloria needs to look into “Jon & Kate Plus Eight” if she wants to see real child exploitation.
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Phillip MacCrevice
May 5, 2009 5:49 PM CST
Gloria needs to cut the crap. Like Al Veoili, I’m no fan of “Octomom,” but this is insane.
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B. McLeod
May 5, 2009 8:25 PM CST
Alright Allredy.
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Pauline evans
May 11, 2009 7:37 PM CST
Allred says that Octomom is exploiting her children. by keeping them in the limelight. Doesn’t Alllred realize that she’s exploiting Octomom and her family?? Allred’s Octomom stance has given Allred the limelight she seeks.
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