The Chubby Checker Name Dispute
Posted by
Mark BelloFebruary 14, 2013 3:59 PM
To most Americans, the name “Chubby Checker” is synonymous with “The Twist”, a 1960 No. 1 hit song. Now “The Twist" singer has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the use and defamation of his stage name.
Chubby Checker claims that a Smartphone app, by Hewlett-Packard and its subsidiary Palm, Inc., called “The Chubby Checker” will cause serious damage to his name and will tarnish his image. The app reportedly estimates a man's penis size based on his shoe size. According to the suit, the name “Chubby Checker” is likely to associate the music legend’s image with obscene, sexual connotation and images. The lawsuit also claims that it misleads the public into believing that Chubby Checker has endorsed the app.
You might be thinking…Does Chubby have small feet? Peformance anxiety? Is he looking for publicity? Some may think that this is a frivolous lawsuit, and perhaps it is. But, we are talking about a music legend that has spent over 50 years building his name and image. While the app may prevent the disappointment of women who seek to “size up a man”, Chubby Checker, the man, may be more concerned about his good name being associated with a product that measures member sizes.
All kidding aside, “this lawsuit is about preserving the integrity and legacy of a man who spent years working hard at his musical craft and has earned the position of one of the greatest musical entertainers of all time,” said Willie Gary, Checker's attorney. So, what do you think? Where do you stand on the “Chubby Checker dispute”?