Tom Bodett, who for nearly four decades told travelers in radio and TV ads that at Motel 6 “we’ll leave the light on for you,” settled his lawsuit accusing the motel chain of using his name and voice without permission after their relationship broke down, according to Reuters.
The settlement was disclosed by Mr. Bodett and Motel 6’s immediate parent G6 Hospitality in a filing in Manhattan federal court. Terms were not available.
Mr. Bodett accused Motel 6’s new owner, India-based OYO, of missing a $1.2 million annual payment due in January, prompting him to sever ties.
He said Motel 6 nonetheless kept using his name and soft baritone voice on its national reservation phone line, violating federal trademark law and his contract, which was to end last month, according to the wire service.
Motel 6 denied wrongdoing and accused Mr. Bodett of breaching the contract, excusing the payment, a July court filing shows. The lawsuit was filed in June.
Mr. Bodett, 70, is an author and voice actor known for appearances on National Public Radio and in several Ken Burns documentaries. He had been Motel 6’s lead spokesman since 1986, and said he ad-libbed the chain’s tagline.