Jared Leto sues TMZ over video that shows him bashing on Taylor Swift tunes

So there was that video posted on TMZ the other day, in which Jared Leto could be seen first liking some Taylor Swift tunes, lauding parts in which she “absolutely crushed it,” then appearing puzzled or frustrated by the songs, then ultimately cussing her out. Or at least cussing out her music.

Taylor Swift got an apology. TMZ got a lawsuit.

First, the apology: “The truth is I think @taylorswift13 is amazing + an incredible example of what’s possible,” the Oscar winner tweeted on Monday, the day the video went up online. “If I hurt her or her fans my sincerest apologies.”

Smart move. Don’t want the Swifties on ya, if you can avoid it.

Second was the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court: Under the name Sisyphus Productions, his company, Leto accused TMZ and its associates not of invasion of privacy but rather of copyright infringement. The suit says the videographer who sold the video to the website for an alleged $2,000 not only had no rights to the images but also told TMZ exactly that: “[D]o not post the footage. I do not own it. I do not have permission.”

That would make the copyright infringement willful, the suit says.

The videographer’s warning, however, is said to have come 15 minutes after the video went live with a headline reading, “JARED LETO: SCREW TAYLOR SWIFT!! But I’d Love One of Her Hits.”

As of midnight before publication of this article, the video remained posted on TMZ.

The case, seeks to enjoin all named defendants -- Warner Bros. Entertainment and EHM Productions Inc. are also named -- from publishing or otherwise distributing the video in question. In addition, it asks for any profits TMZ has made off the video, and demands that all copies be returned.

Oh yeah: Some monetary award for all the bother would also be swell, to compensate Leto et al for damages to the reputation of the actor or the company, the suit says. And if the plaintiffs can’t figure out the actual amounts involved, some sort of statutory payout would be acceptable, plus reimbursement of court costs.

Long way to go to take a shot at America’s sweetheart, no? Your call as to whether we’re talking about Swift or Leto.

Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs

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