‘Spinal Tap’ Stars Blasted for ‘Absurdly’ Filed $400 Million Lawsuit

While expressing “genuine admiration for the talents” of Shearer, et al, Tuesday’s motion to dismiss claims that they don’t “have any right to file this lawsuit, nor any basis to hurl its irresponsible and untrue accusations against defendants.”

The suit claims that, under the contract for the film, only Spinal Tap Productions [STP] — also listed as a plaintiff — has the right to have records for the audit of records for the film, and it never did so.

“Had plaintiffs investigated their lawsuit before filing it … they would have learned that they have no basis on which to assert any claims concerning the calculation and payment of the ‘Spinal Tap’ participation,” Tuesday’s motion reads.

“As a reality check on this lawsuit, even though  ‘Spinal Tap’ has garnered affection in the United States, it has generated U.S. theatrical revenue of under $5 million,” the motion states.

Shearer claims that Vivendi, which eventually ended up with rights relating to the film, has engaged in “anti-competitive and unfair business practices,” and “willfully concealed and manipulated years of accountings to retain monies due and owing to plaintiff.”