DirecTV Says Playboy Suit Worth $35 Million

LOS ANGELES — Playboy Enterprises Inc. plans on asking a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in October to strike portions of DirecTV's breach-of-contract suit against the adult media giant.

The suit, which DirecTV amended two weeks ago, focuses on the parties’ Amended and Restated Affiliation and Licensing Agreement, which was inked in August 2007.

DirecTV's amended suit reveals damages of $35 million, which wasn't stated in its original complaint in March.

In the complaint, DirecTV says Playboy and its Spice Hot Entertainment division promised they wouldn't negotiate better deals with other distributors but have violated that "most-favored nations" clause in their deals.

The contract allegedly provided an audit right, which DirecTV exercised last year through a PriceWaterhouseCoopers review.

"Based on what DirecTV has learned from defendants, PriceWaterhouseCoopers informed defendants that they are not in compliance with the most-favored nations clause," the suit says. "Defendants, however, have not offered DirecTV any more favorable terms for distributing defendants' programming services and have not authorized PriceWaterhouseCoopers to disclose any of the information they collected during the audit."

Citing confidentiality provisions, DirecTV does not say what the actual deal terms are. XBIZ calls to DirecTV counsel at Kirkland & Ellis went unreturned at post time.

Playboy, meanwhile, did not immediately respond to XBIZ for comment relative to the suit, but the adult media giant dismissed the complaint last week in a filing with regulators.

"The defendants have reviewed the allegations contained in the amended complaint and believe they are unfounded," Playboy said. "The defendants intend to defend this case vigorously."

The parties are slated to meet at Los Angeles Superior Court on Oct. 21. over Playboy's motion to strike.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Angela White Stars in New Interactive Scene From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with reigning and two-time XMAs Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in a new interactive release from Brazzers, titled “Taking Angela Back To Your Place.”

Marvin Love Directs 'Rich and Horny Weirdos' for Brazzers

Brazzers has released a new scene directed by Marvin Love, titled “Rich and Horny Weirdos.”

Julia James, Sage Hunter Topline 'Lesbian Sister In-Laws' Sequel

Julia James and Sage Hunter headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sister In-Laws 2.”

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From TeamSkeet

Jade Greene stars with Nicky Rebel in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Bree Mills Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the Bree Mills thriller sequel "Let Me In Too."

Emma Rosie, Rebel Rhyder Topline Latest Volume of 'Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls'

Emma Rosie and Rebel Rhyder headline Brian Gozzling’s “Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls 28” from Evil Angel.

Agatha Vega Fronts Latest From Ricky's Room

Reigning XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Agatha Habla Sucio."

Taylor Vixxen Makes Her MILFY Debut

Taylor Vixxen has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, alongside Dan Damage.

Catherine Knight Makes Her Vixen Debut

Catherine Knight has made her Vixen debut alongside Dan Damage.

Andi Avalon Headlines 'Slutty Nurses 3' From Reality Junkies

Andi Avalon toplines the third volume of "Slutty Nurses" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Show More