Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Lance Armstrong Now Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over Autobiography
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: January 28, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Will this class action lawsuit give rise to an actionable claim?
Lance Armstrong is not only facing a backlash from sponsors, teammates and federal authorities, but also disgruntled fans who purchased his autobiographies.
Following his admission to Oprah Winfrey about doping during his prestigious cycling career, the disgraced cyclist now faces a class-action lawsuit brought on by two irate readers, both of whom purchased Armstrong’s autobiographies, “It’s Not About the Bike” and “Every Second Counts.” The pair argued they were “duped,” “betrayed” and “cheated” by the seven-time Tour de France winner. Plaintiffs Rob Stutzman, who served as a deputy chief of staff for former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jonathan Wheeler, a chef and amateur cyclist, said they were duped into purchasing the books, which describe how Armstrong overcame cancer to continue his victories and how to compete drug-free following his illness, according to BBC News.
The plaintiffs said the books were fraudulent and falsely marketed the books as fact, rather than works of fiction. Both Armstrong, and his publishers Penguin Books and Random House, are named in the lawsuit. Penguin said the lawsuit should be thrown out.
Stutzman, in particular, recounted in the court filing how the book gave him inspiration, and he had the opportunity to voice these feelings to Armstrong personally, who did not refute the veracity of the works. In a brief meeting with Armstrong, when the cyclist met with then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stutzman wrote he “thanked Defendant Armstrong for writing his book and told him it was very inspiring. In response, Armstrong thanked Stutzman,” the BBC reports.
Both plaintiffs are demanding statutorily permissible damages, attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs.
As reprehensible as the actions of Armstrong may be, I do not believe this would give rise to an actionable claim by fans or members of the public at large. Certainly, those with privities of contract would have cause to institute litigation, including the publishers who have been named in the suit. Yet the media attention and fallout from the lawsuit may have broader implications regarding entertainment law, particularly when celebrity authors recount events and other elements of their lives that are later found to be false.
If you need a sports or entertainment attorney, please contact one of Scarinci Hollenbeck’s Sports and Entertainment Law attorneys.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
Author: Dan Brecher
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.