The following press release is reprinted without edits or comments, save for the one above:
VIVID ENTERTAINMENT TO STOP SELLING KIM KARDASHIAN SEX VIDEO
"It’s not legal, it’s personal," says Vivid Co-Chairman, Steven HirschLOS ANGELES – (May 15, 2007) – Vivid Entertainment Group says it will stop selling a controversial sex video featuring socialite Kim Kardashian to retailers across the country. Starting Thursday, May 31st, the company says it will no longer ship "Kim Kardashian Superstar" DVDs.
Ms. Kardashian made the steamy video three years ago with her then boyfriend, R&B artist Ray J. A suit she brought against Vivid to try block the release of the video was dropped recently after the company reached a financial settlement with her.
"After several conversations with Ms. Kardashian we have decided to stop selling the DVD after May 31st," said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment. "We have always believed we have the right to sell the tape, but I’ve made a personal decision to suspend sales."
Ms. Kardashian, daughter of O.J. Simpson lawyer Robert Kardashian and a close friend of Paris Hilton claimed she had not authorized release of the video, for which Vivid had paid an unidentified third party $1-million. As part of her commitment to drop the suit, Ms. Kardashian agreed to a lump sum financial settlement for the sale of the DVDs
(Well, one more editorial comment: "This time it's personal" was the logline of the similarly awful movie Jaws: The Revenge.)
Previously: Lessons in quitting while ahead; Kim Kardashian, Superstar; Vivid does Kim again; Vivid halt; Wrangling a sex tape
