Monday, Aug 29, 2011    Text size: 

LOS ANGELES — Someone wants the Kim Kardashian sex tape off the market and is willing to pay big.

TMZ reported that a mystery buyer has hired a Tennessee lawyer who sent a letter to Vivid co-chairman Steven Hirsch asking for the rights to the tape.

The lawyer said, "I was approached by a private party who has asked us about looking into the possibility of acquiring all rights of the Vivid, 'Kim Kardashian Sex Tape.'"

The letter continued, "The party we represent does not intend to distribute or broadcast the 'tape,' but hopes to completely remove it from the market."

The buyer also wants the raw footage and outtakes omitted from the finished XXX Vivid Celeb DVD.

Although the client was never identified, TMZ said the letter leaves a "giant hint" that could be construed as Kardashian herself because of a line in the letter that said, "We would purchase any other footage you may have control of that involves Ms. Kardashian."

TMZ said its sources wouldn’t confirm that Kardashian is behind the request, but did say she has previously shown interest in buying the rights to the tape.

Kardashian’s lover on the tape — hip hop star Ray J – is never mentioned in the letter.