Models, actresses, including Carmen Electra, sue Providence strip clubs

PROVIDENCE — A host of professional models and actresses, including Carmen Electra, are suing Providence strip clubs, accusing them of using their images without their permission and as a result damaging their careers. 

Actress and recording artist Tara Leigh Patrick, known as Carmen Electra, is among seven models and entertainers suing The Cadillac Lounge and its owner, Nancy Shappy, in U.S. District Court.

Electra had roles on "Baywatch," "90210," and MTV's "Singled Out." She also appeared in the movies "Cheaper by the Dozen 2," "Dirty Love" and "Meet the Spartans" and had a show in Las Vegas.

The complaint alleges that the Cadillac Lounge posted her altered image on its Facebook page to make it appear that she was a stripper working at the 361 Charles St. club, or that she endorsed it, when, in fact, she is in no way associated with it and the club has never paid her.

Electra is joined in the suit by Jaime Edmondson-Longoria, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader who twice competed on "The Amazing Race" and is a fantasy sports blogger for Playboy. She is married to San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria, with whom she has two kids.

Rosa Acosta, of the VH1 reality show "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood," also accuses the Cadillac Lounge of misusing her image.

Other clubs facing lawsuits alleging they used the models' images in Facebook posts and on Instagram to make it appear that they danced at or were otherwise affiliated with the clubs include Club Desire, the Wild Zebra, Foxy Lady and Wonderland.

Wonderland and its corporate owner, R.I. Cranston Entertainment Inc., face the most claims, with 28 models, actresses and entertainers joining the action against the 257 Allens Ave. club.

The models accuse the clubs and their owners of false advertising; violating their right to privacy; unauthorized use of their images; defamation; and unjust enrichment.

The models — who hail from California, Florida, Arizona, Australia, England and elsewhere — are seeking unspecified damages and for the court to bar the clubs from using their images in promotions.

Dozens of similar lawsuits have been brought against strip clubs across the country. A federal court in January ordered three New York strip clubs to stop using Electra’s image, but ruled against 10 other models. The judge found that of those who sued, only Electra's images was recognizable enough to prevail under federal trademark law.  The judge, however, did not award Electra damages.

kmulvane@providencejournal.com

@kmulvane

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