Aug 19, 2009, 9:32 GMT
Paris Hilton was not at fault for her film flopping, a court has ruled.
US socialite Paris Hilton. The socialite was sued by Worldwide Entertainment Group for allegedly breaching her contractual commitments for movie 'National Lampoon's Pledge This!', but a Miami judge has ruled she did her best to promote it, stating the movie was "hardly destined for critical acclaim". EPA/NABIL MOUNZER
The socialite was sued by Worldwide Entertainment Group for allegedly breaching her contractual commitments for movie 'National Lampoon's Pledge This!', but a Miami judge has ruled she did her best to promote it, stating the movie was "hardly destined for critical acclaim".
District Judge Federico Moreno said: "Any causal connection between Ms. Hilton's alleged breaches and the financial ruin of the film are wholly speculative.
"The movie flopped because the film's inexperienced producers hastily cobbled together a wholly inadequate marketing plan. They sent scattershot requests to their principal star in the hope she could find time to promote a sinking ship."
While Paris won't have to pay the $8.3 million damages the producers were asking for, she may have to return the $1 million fee she was given for the film.
A receiver representing the producers has been given until August 26 to submit arguments as to why the blonde star should pay back the sum.
Michael Weinsten, Paris' lawyer, said in a statement following the ruling: "We are grateful for the judge's time and thoughtful consideration of the issues in this case."
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