Smallscreen News

Montel Williams' legal action against the 'Real Housewives' Salahis

By April MacIntyre Aug 26, 2011, 17:57 GMT

06/19/2011 - Montel Williams, Tara Fowler - 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards - Arrivals - Las Vegas Hilton Hotel - Las Vegas, NV, USA © PRN / PR Photos

Montel Williams is fuming over the infamous Salahi couple of Bravo's "Real Housewives" franchise, who allegedly co-opted his name for a fundraiser.

M&C received a statement of Jonathan Franks, LUCID Public Relations, on behalf of Montel Williams:

"It has come to our attention that a group claiming to be associated with Tareq and Michaele Salahi have announced that Mr. Williams will be attending an event at their Oasis Winery in Virginia and that Montel Williams' MS Foundation is also a supporter - neither is true.  The use of Mr. Williams' name without his permission is unacceptable, and Mr. Williams' attorneys intend to pursue all available legal remedies in this matter."

"Even worse, it appears that the Salahi's, whose bizzare behavior has been widely reported, are attempting to piggy-back off of Montel's record of advocacy on behalf of MS sufferers worldwide to advance the apparent re-opening of their failed winery.  That is inexcusable exploitation of those afflicted with a terrible disease."

"Throughout the day yesterday our office was been contacted by multiple governmental agencies, including law enforcement investigating the group responsible for this event.  Aside from pursuing all civil legal remedies available, Montel's office intends to cooperate with regulators and law enforcement investigating this matter."

Please find attached a copy of a cease and desist letter sent yesterday, as well as the invite in question.

This is the excerpted press release Williams' legal team responded to:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2011) – On September 24, 2011, ...The celebration, entitled A Hollywood Oasis – When Hollywood Glamour Meets the Capital Region will be held at Oasis Winery....

A portion of the proceed will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – National Capital Chapter

...Invited guest are asked to dress in the chicest Hollywood glamour which will culminate with a Best Dressed Contest...also in attendance will be trailblazers in the industries of fashion, entertainment, arts, dining, business & politics. This FABULOUS event will also bring together a tastemaker crowd of invited celebrities, fashionistas, artists, athletes and key political, philanthropic and social figures including Montel Williams (who has MS), to one of the top 10 rated wineries in the world.