William Shatner wants charitable donation to end Television City condo dispute
TV star objected to the use of his name and likeness to help promote a Hamilton condo building
William Shatner says he would like Toronto condo developer Brad Lamb to make a donation to his charity to settle a dispute over the use of the Montreal-born actor's name and image to promote an upcoming condo in Hamilton.
Last week, Shatner objected to the use of his name and likeness to help promote a million-dollar, two-bedroom penthouse.
The project, which is proposed on the site of CHCH's current headquarters on Jackson Street West, listed sample floor plans with prices for suites named after TV celebrities on its website. It also included caricatures of the stars it was channelling.
Removing my name doesn’t exonerate you for damages for using my brand in a commercial venture. I understand you are a kind gentleman; let’s settle this like gentlemen. I have a charity. I would like you to give a nice big donation in lieu of having to talk to my lawyers. Deal? <a href="https://t.co/979622tzVd">https://t.co/979622tzVd</a>
—@WilliamShatnerMr. <a href="https://twitter.com/BradJLamb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BradJLamb</a> it has come to my attention you are using my name & caricature likeness in your brochures to sell real estate. You are also using the name & likeness of <a href="https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hwinkler4real</a> & others I do not recall giving you permission to use my name or likeness <a href="https://t.co/EBG2lbGBYr">https://t.co/EBG2lbGBYr</a> <a href="https://t.co/moN5n351py">pic.twitter.com/moN5n351py</a>
—@WilliamShatnerIn a statement to CBC News last week, Lamb said he intended the move to be a playful homage to TV stars he admired, but said he would remove the names from the materials.
Shatner replied on Tuesday, saying removing his name doesn't exonerate Lamb for damages for using his brand in a commercial venture.
The 86-year-old actor, whose high-profile role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise has made him a cultural icon, is asking Lamb for a "nice big donation" for his charity in lieu of having to talk to his lawyers.
In a response sent to Shatner on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, Lamb said his company contributes to "multiple charities, so I would be more than happy to discuss your charity offline."
"Please feel free to contact me anytime through my office," he wrote.
Shatner's name was among those originally listed for the project, advertising a two-bedroom, 1,370-square-foot unit that's priced at $1,023,900.
With files from The Canadian Press