Jackson author of 'The Help' fighting lawsuit - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Jackson author of 'The Help' fighting lawsuit

Posted: Updated:
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Lawyers for Jackson native Kathryn Stockett, author of the best-selling novel "The Help," were expected to ask a judge to dismiss a lawsuit against her at a hearing scheduled in Jackson.

"The Help" was made into a movie that opened last week. It's based on relationships between white families and the African-American women who worked for them in the 1960s.

Tuesday's hearing deals with a lawsuit filed by Ablene Cooper, a black woman who works for Stockett's brother. She claims a main character, Aibileen, is based on her. Cooper accuses Stockett of using her name and likeness without permission.

The lawsuit was filed in February in Hinds County Circuit Court in Jackson, where Stockett grew up and where the novel is set. It asks for $75,000 in damages.

Stockett was in Madison on July 30 for the movie's local premiere at the Malco Grandview theater. Her childhood friend Tate Taylor, the film's director, was also at the event. Producer Brunson Green, who also attended the premiere, is a Jackson native as well.

No one associated with the movie is named in the lawsuit.

Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved. AP contributed to this report.

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Read

  • Saturday, May 25 2013 4:20 PM EDT2013-05-25 20:20:27 GMT
    Judge Bill Gowan's Hinds County courtroom is in session for the 6th day of the James Hutto murder trial. Hutto, who is known for making obnoxious outbursts in court, has already made several erratic
    After 6 days of testimony, evidence and many loud and obnoxious outbursts by Hutto, a jury has unanimously found him guilty of capital murder.

  • Friday, May 24 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:46:35 GMT
    The list of the names is a part of rotating lists of names. For example, the list used in 2012 is used in 2018. Each storm will be named alphabetically. The lists of names are chosen by World Meteorological
    The names for the 2013 North Atlantic hurricane season.

  • Friday, May 24 2013 8:30 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:30:42 GMT
    Yesterday we first told you about two parents of Boyd Elementary school students, who say their children were sexually assaulted by another student. The parents were furious that no action had been taken
    Thursday we first told you about two parents of Boyd Elementary school students, who say their children were sexually assaulted by another student. The parents were furious that no action had been taken on their cases. Today more parents are speaking out about their children also falling victims.
    •