Never cross a pageant mom. Susanna Barrett, the proud tot mom of mini beauty queen Isabella, who became a "star" on 'TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras', is suing TMZ, the Huffington Post, and London's Daily Mail for $30 million for libel.
She claims the media outlets tried to sexualize her 5-year-old's performance in a TMZ web video. The kindergartner was caught on cell phone video performing to LMFAO's "I'm Sexy and I Know It" in a New York City club.
Susanna claims that the articles posted with the video "have thrust false and vulgar characteristics on to Isabella" adding that "as a result, Isabella is now perceived sexually, erotically and pornographically."
The reality-show star simply "mimicked the disc jockey's words," according to the court papers.
"She did not understand the concept of sex, let alone 'sex appeal' and could not have been singing about her own sex appeal," the suit says.
Jezebel reports that according to Susanna the posts caused her daughter to lose a contract for her own reality show and funding for her Glitzy Girl jewelry line. The media outlets being sued have yet to comment.
This isn't the first time Isabella has gotten bad press. She recently started a kitty-fight with fellow 'TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras' star, 3 year-old Paisley Dickey. Paisley was criticized after her mom dressed her up like a hooker in "Pretty Woman".
Isabella has also complained that Paisley copies her tanning style.
In a video obtained by TMZ, Isabella, while inside a salon, says: "Last time I was here, Paisley was trying to copy me
but my mom doesn't dress me up as a hooker."
So what do you think about the libel lawsuit? Does the Pageant mom stand a chance in court?
Viewers serve up their thoughts:
Rick writes: To the mom, "Welcome to the world of the Media!" course you KNEW that going into this business, didn't cha? ;)
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And that's today's helping of Online Dish.
