Oksana Baiul is suing NBC and a skating program producer for $5 million for using her name and likeness to promote two shows that never ended up airing.
The 1994 Olympic figure skating gold medalist claims that Disson Skating LLC offered her a deal to perform in two shows that were to air on NBC.
Baiul declined, never receiving a contract or signing a promotional deal.
Nevertheless, she says her name and likeness were used to advertise the show on two radio websites, and she also was named in a press release.
The skater says her reputation was damaged because the incorrect publicity resulted in her being labeled a “no show,” making it harder to get work.
That’s where the lawsuit arises. She’s seeking $5 million in damages from NBC Universal and the producer, both of which declined to comment.