Playmates, Models Score Legal Win Over Florida Strip Clubs' 'Misleading' Ads

Playmates, Models Score Legal Win Over Florida Strip Clubs' 'Misleading' Ads

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two Playboy Playmates and seven other models were awarded $150,000 by a federal jury this week after a lengthy lawsuit against two Florida strip clubs which made unauthorized use of their images to promote events.

The nine models — including Playmates Jessica Burciaga and Sara Underwood, NFL cheerleaders and actresses — sued Michael Tomkovich, owner of Florida strip clubs Flash Dancers and Thee Officers Club, in 2016 over Facebook ads which his venues ran between 2013 and 2015.

The lawsuit alleged that Tomkovich deliberately created the “false and misleading appearance” that the models were featuring or dancing at those clubs.

Though the jury did not find that the models suffered actual damages, they did award them statutory and reasonable royalty damages. They were individually awarded between $10,000 and $30,000.

Part of their allegations was that the Facebook ads implied that the models supported “a salacious strip club lifestyle." A “Twisted Tuesday” ad presented as evidence featured an unauthorized photo of model Jamie Eason with the copy "We have Lauren behind the bar making all those signature drinks you enjoy and DJ Chris in the booth all night!"

The clubs were found in breach of “right of publicity” legislation, which includes the federal Lanham Act (the Trademark Act of 1946) and several state laws. Many celebrities and reality stars protect their lucrative images vigorously in what has become a cottage industry for enterprising attorneys. In 2018 alone, for example, Carmen Electra filed at least 21 trademark suits.

The nine models in the Florida suit, known as Paola Canas et al. v. Flash Dancers Inc. et al., were represented by San Diego-based Casas Law Firm PC, which specializes in that type of litigation.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Princess Emily Makes Her Pure Taboo Debut

Princess Emily has made her debut for Pure Taboo in the new thriller, “Misguiding the Counselor.”

Arcom Sends Warning Letters to 5 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom has sent enforcement notices to the operators of five adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Rachael Cavalli Stars in New Elegant Angel Release

Rachael Cavalli stars with Don Sudan in a new scene from Elegant Angel.

Yhivi, Blake Blossom Front Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi and Blake Blossom star with Nathan Bronson in the latest Brazzers scene, “Suck Your Soul Out.”

Krystal Sparks Stars in Latest From MYLF

Krystal Sparks stars with Jayden Marcos in the latest release from MYLF, titled “Covered in Milk, Covered in Cum.”

Ivy Lebelle Signs Exclusive Contract With Ricky's Room

Ivy Lebelle has signed on as an exclusive performer with Ricky's Room.

FSC: Identity Theft Targeting Adult Performers

The Free Speech Coalition has put out an alert warning of an individual found to be targeting adult performers for identity theft.

Playboy Launches 'Great Playmate Search' Contest

Playboy, Inc. has launched its Great Playmate Search for two models in its Playmate Pictorial and Inside Cover competitions.

Seth Gamble Makes His Digital Playground Directorial Debut

Multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble has made his Digital Playground directorial debut with the studio's latest feature, titled "The Birthday Slasher."

Reagan Foxx Returns to Brazzers

2023 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Reagan Foxx stars with Small Hands and Damon Dice in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Dinner With The Wives.”

Show More