Judge Judy is turning the tables on a Connecticutt lawyer, filing a federal lawsuit for reportedly using her image in ads for his firm.
Judith Sheindlin, whose show has been broadcast since 1996, says the advertisements aired without her permission and she's seeking more than $75,000 in damages from John Haymond.
"Without my consent, Mr. Haymond has taken my name and image and used it in television and internet advertisements to falsely suggest that I have endorsed his legal services. Mr. Haymond is a lawyer and should know better," Sheindlin said in a statement.
The lawsuit claims the ads imply Judge Judy endorses or is somehow affiliated with Haymond's law firm.
"I was shocked to learn that Judge Judy filed a lawsuit against me for the very promotions in which I endorsed her. It had always been my understanding that the promotions were properly authorized," said Haymond. "Further, no reasonable person could believe them to be an endorsement of me or my law firm. If the local affiliates would just release these Judge Judy Show promotions, everyone would see this is much ado about nothing."
Haymond is a personal injury lawyer based in Hartford.
"Despite the lawsuit and her statement yesterday, I remain a fan of Judge Judy's and still appreciate the manner in which she has elevated the legal profession," he added.
Sheindlin says proceeds from the lawsuit will be donated to the "Her Honor Mentoring Program," which grants college scholarships.