Kate Hudson Defends Haircare Line 8/26/08

Kate Hudson has fired back at claims she stole the idea for a line of haircare products. The actress was named in a lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Friday (22Aug08), which suggests she took a sample given to her by bosses at 220 Labs and created her own line with it this past June (08) with celebrity stylist David Babaii.

The product, David Babaii for Wildaid, is an eco-friendly collection of shampoos and styling aids, which is said to contain a special key ingredient - volcanic ash - which bosses at 220 Labs claim was their own secret idea.

Hudson, Babaii and their current manufacturer, Universal, have been charged misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, breach of confidence and fraud in the legal documents.

But a spokesperson for the actress denies the claims: "Kate does not know the plaintiffs and has never met with them or spoken with them. Her representatives believe that the claims are baseless and without merit and (they) intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit."

Lawyers for 220 Labs are demanding unspecified damages and attorneys' fees. They are also asking for an injection against competitors' use of their products. Hudson's rep insists the actress has yet to be served legal papers regarding the case.