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Living the Dream: Hollywood Star Sues DMV for More Than $1.44M

You all know Ashton Kutcher, right? He played the idiot man-child Kelso on “That 70’s Show.” He has also starred in several films including “The Butterfly Effect,” “My Boss’s Daughter,” and “Just Married” (each one making us wonder whether he was really acting when he played Kelso).

But despite a track record of rotten movies, he is actually quite successful and keeps himself busy with multiple TV shows, commercials, an upcoming Steve Jobs biopic, and dealing with an estranged wife who’s almost old enough to collect Social Security checks …

Living the Dream: Hollywood Star Sues DMV for More Than $1.44MHa-ha, we kid (not really).

And if you think the accomplishments listed in the above sound pretty great (well, some of them at least), none of them compare to the sheer awesomeness of what his production company, Katalyst Media, is trying to do: sue the California Department of Motor Vehicles for more than $1.44 million in damages.

Why is he suing the DMV? Simply put, they wasted his time. Here’s how it happened.

The DMV allegedly agreed to let Kutcher’s production team use their offices to film a reality series based on the day-to-day activities of their department.

“The series was conceived and designed to capture the variously humorous, emotional, dramatic, moving, humanizing and entertaining situations that arise on a daily basis at DMV’s more than 170 offices across the state of California,” according to a copy of the suit obtained by the Hollywood Reporter.

However, it wasn’t until after they agreed to do the show that someone at the DMV suddenly realized that a series produced by the same guy who did “Punk’d” could lead to potentially embarrassing moments for the department. So they backed out of the agreement.

“[A]fter getting a commitment in writing to work together on four initial episodes and up to six possible seasons of the show, and after Katalyst secured a deal with cable network TruTV to air the show, the DMV is said to have ‘abruptly and without justifiable excuse, changed course,’” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“In a five sentence letter to Katalyst producer Jason Goldberg, [DMV deputy director Mike] Marando simply declared that DMV no longer considered the series to be in its ‘best interests’ and would therefore ‘not be moving forward on such a project,’” the suit reads.

Living the Dream: Hollywood Star Sues DMV for More Than $1.44MAshton Kutcher

When asked for a comment by the Hollywood Reporter, DMV deputy director of public affairs Mike Marando had this to say: “We don’t comment on pending litigation.”

And while we would like to see Kutcher win simply because we think he has been wronged, we really want to see him win because of the legal precedent it could set: he’s suing them for wasting his time!

(H/T: BI)

This story has been updated.

Comments (76)

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  • Blazebanned
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:17am

    He’s sueing because the dmv wasted his time,im sueing the Blaze for wasting my time with this lame article……..

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:01am

      He had a signed contract. you had the option to not click on the article.

      Report Post »  
    • Rashomon
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:31am

      can we sue him for time wasted watching his stuff

      Report Post » Rashomon  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:33am

      we’re suing you for being a douche Nozzle

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • ThatCatGirl
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:04am

      If you win, will you use the money on grammer and spelling lessons? Considering you needed only to read the story to see the correct spelling, perhaps reading comprehension would be a good course for you, too.

      Report Post »  
    • Steel
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:08am

      Read Fox News instead.

      Report Post »  
    • jeffersonian1776
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:46am

      @thatcatgirl, you’re the pot calling the kettle black.
      You said, “If you win, will you use the money on grammer and spelling lessons? Considering you needed only to read the story to see the correct spelling, perhaps reading comprehension would be a good course for you, too.”
      I did not realize that grammar was spelled with an “e.” Either did you evidently.
      Just saying

      Report Post »  
    • sbenard
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 10:20am

      You’re the one that clicked on it! If you’re looking for idiocy, go visit the closest mirror!

      Report Post » sbenard  
    • hatchetjob
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:04pm

      A big hug to you LORIANN!

      Report Post » hatchetjob  
    • skiz
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:26pm

      @LORIANN12~ Did the contract say “we wont waste your time”? Pathetic excuse! He is a moron and if you believe this crap, so are you. Law suites are killing this country and it has to stop. It’s like the McDonalds “too hot coffee” law suite, ridiculous! Pretty soon we will be able to sue people for giving us a bad look…. maybe you already can.

      Report Post » skiz  
    • TurkE
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 6:35pm

      Who is Sue and why are you, the DMV, Kutcher and the Blaze all involved with her? Sounds kind of kinky.

      Oh wait, I think you meant suing…OK I got it now.

      I suppose you will want to go after me now for “wasting your time” about your lame spelling errors.

      Report Post »  
  • Girard1974
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:53am

    Really? Aside from those who live within the pull of this talentless boy’s orbit, who else on Earth cares?

    Report Post » Girard1974  
  • CrawfishFestival2
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:49am

    well, demi moore was part of Hollywood’s Brat Pack – when she hooked up with Brice Willis – an older man and Super Star in his own right – to enhance her career – married him – and as a good wife – started poking around – w Kutcher.

    She even took him on family vacations – and their private jet – passing Kutcher off – as a friend of her kids.

    It is a shame that her marriage fell apart w Kutcher. But what could she expect – when she disrespected her marriage to Bruce Willis.

    Report Post »  
  • Dagnabbit5
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:37am

    This isn’t as much about Ashton Kutcher then it is about all the all the people in Katalyst Media that spent their time and money setting up this show. I really doubt Kutcher spent much time himself actually working on this deal.

    Report Post »  
  • FlamingFartSyndrome
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:27am

    The production company is suing them because they put a lot of money and effort into a deal that was made in writing i would go to court as well.

    Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
  • 4x4conserve
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:22am

    He’ll have to go to “Smog Only” test stations for all his vehicle for sure…….

    Report Post »  
  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:10am

    Kitchen, you are a hack.
    You never could do for Demi what Bruce did.
    Nor, will you ever be able to.
    Just go away.

    Report Post »  
    • shy
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:44am

      If we could ALL sue the DMV for waiting are time, would it go bankrupet ? would make standing in line go any faster.

      Report Post »  
    • elbawild
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:11am

      Maybe ‘SHY’ could learn to spell before displaying their ignorance in public?

      Report Post » elbawild  
  • Magyar
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 10:52pm

    If Kutchie wins his case, how will a bankrupt state pay?

    Report Post »  
    • Zwiseguy
      Posted on June 20, 2012 at 11:53pm

      Infinite speeding tickets without punishment. The world (California) is his Autobahn.

      Report Post » Zwiseguy  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:08am

      The problem is the taxpayers didn’t agree to or sign the contract, but would be footing the bill if ruled in kutchers favor. I have no problem with lawsuits that aim for changes in policy, but seeking a monetary payout only punishes the taxpayer.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • chazmo
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:35pm

      Vouchers

      Report Post » chazmo  
  • Ironbalut
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 10:34pm

    Sounds like it could be a breach of contract, but they are suing a state that is already bankrupt. Good luck with that.

    Report Post »  
  • Tired_Libertarian
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 10:10pm

    I think that Kutcher is still a knucklehead. However, if he had a written agreement from the DMV and made other agreements and commitments based on that written agreement then yes, he should have the right to sue.

    Report Post »  
    • kindling
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:09am

      I am having to grit my teeth and pinch myself…….but I have to agree based on the law classes I took in college.

      Report Post » kindling  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:05am

      Yep. I don’t know anything about the actor (and I understand I could be using that term loosely), but I think it would be a great idea to show everyone how rude some DMV people can be. I’m lucky here in Texas, my local office (called DPS – Department of Public Safety) is actually nice. I went on the last day of the month (like an idiot) and the line was tripled, and almost to the door. I was only there about 20 minutes because they know everyone waits to the last day and had all their tellers working.

      Report Post »  
  • F_This
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 10:02pm

    Ashton Kutcher, you’re a douche bag.

    Report Post »  
  • IMaTELLaU
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 9:31pm

    Asschon… you win and gov moonbeam will tax you, your winnings!

    Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 9:25pm

    I Never liked this guy

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Wartface
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:58pm

    Ain’t great to be an American… What other country in the world would allow an actor to sue them.

    I hope he spends millions and millions of dollars in legal fees and loses. Our Mexican welfare funds are running low and all of our retired guv’mint workers need those big fat checks.

    Then we need to raise funds to send illegals to college too… We need more in taxes Governor Moonbeam says.

    Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on June 20, 2012 at 11:58pm

      When the government violates a contract, why should they not have to pay up like everybody else? Do you like a government that can’t chose to back out on agreements at will?

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • Desert Dog
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:49pm

    When anyone sues a government agency and wins a monetary settlement the average person pays thru their taxes. In this case the DMV, if they lost, would get taxpayer money to pay the settlement.
    I believe people who are in the service of the People, should be responsible for their own actions. Sue them not all of us.

    Report Post » Desert Dog  
  • anomnomnommm
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Good to see the system at work. Best of luck to both sides.

    Report Post »  
    • Link8on
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 8:55am

      Ashton’s firm should get back whatever monetary sum they paid to the DMV or their staffers.

      Did the contract get a DMV embossed seal on the signature pages ?

      The contract signer should only be on the hook for more if the contract states in dollar amounts, other party actions or termination fees.

      But I am sure the trial and contract lawyers can argue this either way.

      This Lawsuit appears frivolous to me.

      Report Post » Link8on  
  • lstoddard004
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Suing the state of California, good luck. They would have to request a bailout from the Feds to pay the suit off. And the article made a crappy statement about Demi. Shame on them.

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on June 20, 2012 at 10:16pm

      Demi’s behavior has been crappy of late; therefore the depiction is apt.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • dasmoondog
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:35pm

    well now…the dmv doesnt want everyone to know the shyster game its pulling on all the people..firstly…a private person traveling in his private auto does not need a license to travel..travel is a secured liberty and no state can turn a secured liberty into a privilege and issue a license tax or fee for the exercise of ANY secured liberty. the u s code title 18 sec 31(6) which is the supreme law over state law say ..”motor vehicles” are ”commercial vehicles” so…for one to be obligated to any state to register their privately used automobile(not m.v.) and to obtain a ‘d/l/’ to travel as is your secured liberty is one of the states ..all state biggest rip off of the peoples money and freedom. they are guilty of frauds and felonies!! this is why the dmv doesnt want any inside filming of its scham centers!

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:34pm

    …
    A DMV behind the scenes show, sounded like a bad Idea to me. I would not want to be on a TV show, when I go to renew my license. In my opinion, most of the employees at the DMV are jerks. Why try to make them appear human? No one likes going to the DMV. I sure don’t want to be reminded of the bad experiences, when I turn on the TV.

    Why did the story avoid mentioning that Ashton Kutcher is currently the star of TV show Two and a Half Men? He doesn’t need the money, so why is he suing?

    I never have liked Ashton Kutcher, but I guess some people like him. I don’t like what he and/or the producers of Two and a Half Men have done to the show. They have pushed out all the regular characters in the show, that I liked. What few regulars that are left, have very small roles. Seems like with Ashton, it’s all about “me, me, me”. He seems like a spoiled brat, who hogs the spotlight.

    Report Post »  
  • junior1971
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:33pm

    I want to sue all of you other bloggers for emotional pain and suffering and intellectual depravation! You all owe me an apology!

    Report Post » junior1971  
  • nappy
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:30pm

    His kind of an idiot though. Its the friggin DMV Kutcher!!!! It took them months to figure out who YOU were and months to figure out what a Reality Show is. Oh.. by the way.. you’re gonna lose. Sorry.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:26pm

    One A$$ suing another… too good to be true :)

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • randy
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:25pm

    with an estranged wife who’s almost old enough to collect Social Security checks …

    Now that was funny!

    Report Post » randy  
    • CrawfishFestival2
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:41am

      who went bonkers – after smoking some chemical substance –

      but could not have been all there in the first place – when she posted nude photos of herself on the internet -

      during the time she and Kutcher were soliciting donations for their Foudation to support women forced into prostitution – through kidnappings by sex traffickers.

      Had to be real inspirational – to the women – who believed they were dedicated to supporting their cause.

      Report Post »  
  • Turin
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:17pm

    Sounds to me like he’s got a legitimate beef. Good luck suing the government though. Somebody might just decide to try and make his life a living hell.

    Report Post » Turin  
  • Busterman
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:17pm

    Sue them, take all the states money. What better state to screw over. Good Job Aston.

    Report Post »  
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