Rapper/singer M.I.A. (Paper Planes) is in a big fight with the NFL. The dispute started when M.I.A. flipped the bird to the cameras during her live half-time show at the 2012 Superbowl. The NFL is pushing for $1.5 million, claiming damages to the NFL’s reputation (which its contract with M.I.A. refers to as “wholesome”). The case — it’s in arbitration pursuant to the terms of the agreement — has been moving somewhat slowly, but apparently the NFL recently began pushing for a resolution. In response to the latest push, M.I.A.’s lawyer Howard King intends to attack the NFL’s reputation, and is seeking help from the masses:
“We encourage people to submit their examples of how the actions of the NFL, its stars, coaches, advertisers, broadcasters, team doctors and owners have damaged or destroyed any vestiges of any reputation for wholesomeness ever enjoyed by the NFL. These submissions, which we plan to use to bolster M.I.A’s defense, will help balance the playing field, as they very well could eliminate the burden of undertaking a formal survey of the history of unwholesome behavior, can be made to the M.I.A defense team by email to NFL@khpblaw.com.”
It will be interesting to see if the crowds come through, or if King ends up with a bunch of E-mails saying, “not your personal army.”