DuPage judge says lawsuit against Jenna Jameson can proceed
A judge declined Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit against porn star Jenna Jameson, who is accused of reneging on a contract to appear at two DuPage County movie theaters in support of her 2008 film “Zombie Strippers!”
Judge Patrick Leston said he didn’t buy Jameson’s argument that her contract with the Hollywood Palms and Hollywood Blvd. cinemas was too vague.
“It seems perfectly clear to the court,” Leston said.
The judge also disagreed with Jameson attorney Paul Nordini’s claim the contract wasn’t legally binding because it didn’t identify the venues as a limited liability corporation.
Ted Bulthaup, who owns the theaters in Naperville and Woodridge, said outside of court he “totally expected” the judge to side with him.
“It’s the same contract we’ve used for years. It’s the same contract that (actor) Burt Reynolds understood. It’s the same contract that Linda Blair understood — and she’s possessed,” he quipped, referencing the actress from “The Exorcist.”
Bulthaup sued Jameson earlier this year after she backed out of a contract to sign autographs, meet fans and attend screenings of “Zombie Strippers!” in March.
Bulthaup says Jameson’s doctor provided a vague note saying Jameson was ill. But soon video footage surfaced showing the actress at a birthday party for celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on one of the days she agreed to be in DuPage.
According to the contract, Jameson was to receive at least $10,000, first-class airfare and other perks in exchange for her appearance.
But Nordini contended the contract failed to clearly define how any additional payment would be assessed and other terms.
“From front to back, it’s a Scrabble game at best,” he said.
Outside of court, Nordini said he hopes to resume talks with Bulthaup’s attorney, Brian Sher, about a possible settlement.
Nordini has maintained that Jameson was physically ill and ordered not to travel.
“The ultimate goal is resolution,” he said.