LOS ANGELES – Photographer John Rutter has been convicted of forgery, perjury and attempted grand theft in connection with his attempt to bribe model-turned-actress Cameron Diaz. Much to the chagrin of many fans and celebrity content promoters, this likely drives a final nail into the possibility of the nude Diaz images being distributed (in any legal fashion, at least).Rutter snapped nude and photos of Diaz in 1992, prior to her ascension to household name status, and purported to have a model release form signed by Diaz, granting him rights to the photos. Rutter has since conceded that the signature on the form is not Diaz’s, giving rise to the forgery charges, and making the document the centerpiece of the case.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alan B. Haber granted a permanent injunction against the sale of the photos in a 2003 decision – a distressing development for both fans of celebrity nudes and the companies that cash in on distributing such content.
According to Diaz’s testimony, Rutter demanded $3.5 million for the photos, or he would sell the photos to “someone who could hurt me”. Prosecutors chose not to pursue extortion charged, opting instead for the far easier case to make – the charges surrounding the apparently forged model release.
Although there is still a civil action pending against Diaz – Rutter is suing her for alleged fraud and breach of contract – yesterday’s decision all but eliminates the prospect of a triumph for Rutter in that suit. The civil suit is slated to begin October 17th.
Rutter faces up to 6 years in prison for the forgery, perjury and attempted theft convictions. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 15th.
