Allen: American Apparel is harassing him

New York — Actor-director Woody Allen has accused a clothing company of trying to harass and intimidate him with a “scorched earth” approach to defending itself against a $10 million lawsuit.

In papers filed Wednesday by his lawyers, the 73-year-old Allen said American Apparel Inc. went too far in requesting information about his family life, personal finances and career.

Allen sued the company last year for using his image on the company’s billboards in Hollywood and New York and on a Web site. Allen, who does not endorse products in the United States, said he had not authorized the displays, which the Los Angeles-based company said were up for a week.

The new court papers said American Apparel has “adopted a ‘scorched earth’ approach,” issuing broad document requests and subpoenas to many people close to him, including his sister.

“Woody Allen expects $10 million for use of his image on billboards that were up and down in less than one week,” American Apparel lawyer Stuart Slotnick said. “I think Woody Allen overestimates the value of his image.”

He said the company’s belief was that “after the various sex scandals that Woody Allen has been associated with, corporate America’s desire to have Woody Allen endorse their product is not what he may believe it is.”