Lancome Launches Lawsuit Against Uma Thurman 5/09/08

Actress Uma Thurman is facing a legal battle from French cosmetics giant Lancôme - after the actress launched a bid for compensation against them.

The Kill Bill star signed a two-year deal with the brand in 2000, with Lancôme agreeing to pay her $5.8 million (£2.9 million) for the first two years and $3.1 million (£1.55 million) for each additional year, if the company exercised its option.

Court papers were filed on Wednesday (07May08) in Manhattan Supreme Court, asking for a ruling against Thurman, who it alleges is demanding $1 million (£500,000) for unauthorized use of her name and face on Canadian billboards and Asian web sites after her contract expired.

Betram Fields, the star's lawyer, says, "I thought we were negotiating in good faith. I guess the French decided to strike a pre-emptive blow. "I'm delighted that the case will go before a jury. They got an enormous benefit throughout the world after the contract was over, and $1 million doesn't begin to do it."