Pot dispensary Solar Sustainable Cannabis did not reach great success in using Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat” character to promote its product on a billboard in Massachusetts.
The actor is suing the company, which used the character along with a signature catchphrase “It’s Nice!” on the billboard. The lawsuit, reported by BBC, says Mr. Baron Cohen has never used cannabis and would not advertise the drug for any amount of money.
The actor’s representative told the news network that Mr. Baron Cohan does not believe cannabis is a “healthy choice,” and any promotion of it would “weaken his credibility as an actor and as a serious social activist.”
He is seeking damages of at least $9 million for copyright infringement and false advertising. The company has yet to respond, according to the report.
Legal experts say a recent defamation ruling could shake up the ability for one to post negative experiences about businesses on social media.