People in the News for May 19, 1998

Despite stern warnings from the White House, we here at People in the News plan to continue our nuclear testing program. It's matter of national pride with us! Time now to drop the big one; our target: the Franklin Mint, makers of official-looking pewter figurines and other fancy commememorabilia. It's already under attack by lawyers for Princess Diana's estate, which sued Franklin Monday to stop it from selling unauthorized Diana dolls, plates and jewelry. "We hope this action will help protect and educate the public as to the approved use of the late princess' name, likeness and identity," attorney James Cameron said. Thank God! It's about time someone addressed the sorry state of public knowledge regarding the intricacies of British copyright law. This is the first suit filed by the estate since Diana's death in August. "Like vultures feeding on the dead, defendants are profiting from the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, by commercially exploiting her identity without permission," the suit thunders. According to a statement by the vultures, $1.5 million in profits from the Diana items is "committed" to charities she supported. "This lawsuit must be a mistake," Franklin's statement said. Alas, no mistake. Estate managers made it clear to Franklin -- in meetings held just five days after Diana's demise -- that the company didn't have permission to use her likeness. "After I told them that was not acceptable, they went right ahead and did it," Cameron says.

Miscellany

Time to drop the medium-sized one: Gay actor Rupert Everett ("My Best Friend's Wedding") says he's writing a script for a gay James Bond film. French provincial end tables with a retro-'50s sofa? You're mad, Blofeld! As in other Bond films, this one would feature a suggestively named Bond girl, to be played, Everett hopes, by Dennis Rodman. Oh, sure, he'd cast a few supermodels to satisfy the hetero ticket-buyers. "But I end up with Dennis Rodman." We can't wait for the McDonald's merchandising tie-ins celebrating that.

Compiled by Scott Dickensheets

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