woensdag, november 19, 2003
A photographer accused of trying to extort $3.3 million from Cameron Diaz threatened to sell topless photos of her for $5 million to a European group, an investigator testified Tuesday. Detective Brian Bennett, an investigator in the district attorney's office, said during a preliminary hearing for photographer John Rutter, 41, that the "majority" of the 20 photos depicted Diaz topless. Bennett testified that Diaz, 31, told him she feared the photographs would "hamper her ability to land certain family movie roles," including a role in the upcoming "Shrek" sequel.
Rutter has been charged with one count of attempted extortion, attempted grand theft, perjury and forgery. He was released from custody after posting $250,000 bail. Bennett said he interviewed Diaz in June at her attorney's Century City office and was told that Rutter threatened to sell the photos to a European group that planned to place them on buses, billboards and kiosks to promote "Charlie's Angels 2."
Diaz told him the photos were taken in 1992 during a "spec shoot," meaning they were taken only to build her and Rutter's portfolio and were not meant to be published. Diaz also said Rutter did not have a valid photo release giving him rights to sell the photos, Bennett testified. He also testified that Diaz said the signature on the release was a forgery.
Rutter's attorney, Ron Richards, did not have an opportunity to cross-examine Bennett. The hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning. Rutter, who was arrested Aug. 12, has said he was negotiating with Diaz and she offered "sums of money" to keep the photos private. Rutter said he contacted Diaz's attorneys to offer them right of first refusal before trying to sell the photos.
Authorities raided his apartment and seized the photos, which are being kept in a safe deposit box. Diaz also has sued Rutter in civil court to keep the photos from being published.
Bron: AP.
Rutter has been charged with one count of attempted extortion, attempted grand theft, perjury and forgery. He was released from custody after posting $250,000 bail. Bennett said he interviewed Diaz in June at her attorney's Century City office and was told that Rutter threatened to sell the photos to a European group that planned to place them on buses, billboards and kiosks to promote "Charlie's Angels 2."
Diaz told him the photos were taken in 1992 during a "spec shoot," meaning they were taken only to build her and Rutter's portfolio and were not meant to be published. Diaz also said Rutter did not have a valid photo release giving him rights to sell the photos, Bennett testified. He also testified that Diaz said the signature on the release was a forgery.
Rutter's attorney, Ron Richards, did not have an opportunity to cross-examine Bennett. The hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning. Rutter, who was arrested Aug. 12, has said he was negotiating with Diaz and she offered "sums of money" to keep the photos private. Rutter said he contacted Diaz's attorneys to offer them right of first refusal before trying to sell the photos.
Authorities raided his apartment and seized the photos, which are being kept in a safe deposit box. Diaz also has sued Rutter in civil court to keep the photos from being published.
Bron: AP.
# posted by Jan-Edward : 09:11
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