Evel Knievel's Got Beef With "Kanyevel,

[The Don]

Famed daredevil Evel Knievel has reportedly filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Kanye West claiming the Chicago bred rapper tarnished his image in the video for the single "Touch The Sky."

According to the St. Petersburg Times, the suit was filed in U.S. District Court. In the suit, Knievel accuses West of illegally using his image and tainting it with vulgar, sexual and racially charged content.

The "Touch the Sky" video features West as a daredevil named "Evel Kanyevel" who cavorts with actress Pamela Anderson before attempting to ride a rocket across a canyon.

In the video, West is dressed in a white star-spangled jumpsuit which is similar to the jumpsuit that Knievel wore while performing his stunts.

According to Knievel's lawsuit, the former daredevil trademarked his name and image in 2001. His attorney, Richard Fee, also revealed that the video mimics his client's famous attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974.

"It's not just a three-second snippet," Fee explained to The Times. "The whole video is about Kanye West portraying Evel Knievel. It's rather blatant and obvious."

Knievel, who is seeking royalty payments and damages, claims he is most concerned with the video's sexually charged content, which he says hurts his reputation as a role model for children.

"The guy just disgraced me. I have done the best I can to set an example for children, and then this guy comes along and tries to rip it apart," said Knievel. "In my opinion, this video maybe reflects West and his way of life, but it's sure not mine."

Knievel is also seeking a court order prohibiting West from using his image and hopes to halt showings of the video.

"I don't want my children or my grandchildren associated with this kind of thing," emphasized Knievel. "I want it stopped."

Knievel's suit also names Roc-A-Fella Records and the videos' director, Chris Milk.

West's publicist did not respond to a request for comment.

-SOHH.com

[Nemo]

in the movie "big bully" one of the kids says evel is a pussy and then proceeds to throw an evel action figure down a waterfall or something. to the best of my knowledge, no lawsuit followed.

with that said, i hope kanye gets raped in court.

[essjay]

is evel knievel short of a few bob or something???

these "old guys" need to stop bitching if you ask me.....

if any thing kanye is making people realize who evel knievel is...

Edited December 13, 2006 by essjay

[CS]

bob?

Anyways, I can't wait for Kanye to say that Evel Knievel hates blakc people.

[essjay]

oh soz im from the uk.....

bob= quid/pounds/dolla's/just money in general..

that would be funny if "ye" sed that to evel....

[Nemo]

is there evidence that evel doesnt hate black people? seriously, hating coons was socially acceptable back when evel was growing up.

in fact, i once heard that he shot a bunch of blacks, stacked up the bodies, and then jumped over them on a minibike.

[essjay]

as bad as that is....its just soooooooo funny

Edited December 14, 2006 by essjay