Jared Leto Sues Over Leaked Video, Claims It Was Stolen

Jared Leto had a conversation regarding the musical talents of one Taylor Swift, a conversation that he assumed would remain confidential. Even though the encounter was recorded on video, Leto’s words about Swift might very well have remained securely locked away in the privacy of his own home, if TMZ hadn’t gotten a hold of the video. Now, Jared feels violated enough to sue TMZ over the intrusion, though the Suicide Squad actor says his lawsuit is for the good of all.

Jared Leto Disses Taylor Swift, Then Apologizes

The chaos stirred by this incident began when Leto, apparently looking for inspiration to jump start his own musical endeavors, was listening to Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. The first song to elicit a comment from Jared was Taylor’s “Welcome to New York,” which Leto instantly dismissed. Jared said that he wasn’t at all fond of the song and called for the next song to be played.

Eventually, Mr. Leto came upon Swift’s “Blank Space,” which seems to appeal to Jared at first. As the song begins, Leto comments that one of the verses really appeals to him, but his attitude changes and Jared seems completely soured by the end of the song, reports E! News.

“F— her! I don’t give a f— about her,” Leto says, as the song concludes.

As might be expected, Taylor Swift’s fans took the remarks personally and wasted no time in letting Leto know that he had gone too far. Jared, in return, was just as quick with an apology to both Swift and her fans.

“The truth is I think @taylorswift13 is amazing + an incredible example of what’s possible. If I hurt her or her fans my sincerest apologies,” Jared tweeted.

The apology may have appeased Taylor and her fans, but Leto himself is not so easily assuaged.

Jared Leto’s Leaked Video Stirs A Lawsuit

The video, recorded inside Jared Leto’s home, was allegedly leaked by the videographer conducting the recording. The lawsuit, which was filed by Jared’s attorney, Howard E. King, asserts that the videographer acted without Mr. Leto’s knowledge or consent. The video footage was delivered to TMZ by the videographer, but he refused to sign a statement certifying that he had the legal authority to sell the footage.

The lawsuit alleges that, following these events, TMZ still went ahead with the release of the footage. Furthermore, it states that Leto had been in contact with TMZ and that Jared had explicitly stated that the video was “stolen” and that it was not authorized for release.

Mr. Leto has released statements emphasizing the invasion of privacy that has taken place in regards to the leaked footage. He says the release of the video constitutes a legal and a moral violation.

“I have chosen to file this lawsuit not because I want to, but in hopes it will encourage more people to stop trafficking in stolen goods, to follow proper legal procedure,” Jared Leto said, according to USA Today.

Through the lawsuit, Leto is seeking compensation in the form of unspecified damages, which includes any profits made by the defendants (TMZ) through their wrongful acts.

This is not the first time TMZ has been the target of a Jared Leto lawsuit. Jared filed a 2010 lawsuit against TMZ for allegedly broadcasting footage of a Debbie Rowe interview, shortly after the death of her ex – husband, Michael Jackson. That case, as in the current circumstances, Leto’s lawsuit asserted that the footage was confidential and stolen. While the details are unknown, the Debbie Rowe lawsuit was settled out of court.

Twitter users are overwhelmingly offering their support of Leto against TMZ.

[Featured image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]