Model sues producer for 'Spamalot' ad

NEW YORK (AP) — A model is suing the producer of the Broadway hit "Monty Python's Spamalot," claiming it used a photograph of her face in a "foolish, unnatural and undignified" way without her permission to promote the Tony-winning musical.

Carla Collins, 23, says in court papers she learned about the use of her image in February 2005, when friends told her they saw her face on the facade of the Shubert Theatre to advertise the show.

The photo on the theater wall, court papers say, was taken nearly two years ago after Collins had finished a photo session in Cape Town, South Africa.

"This particular picture was taken after the modeling shoot and she threw the photographer a kiss," Collins' lawyer, Leroy Wilson, said Tuesday, adding the photo appeared to have been retouched "in the chest area."

The use of Collins' photo "tends to hold her up to public ridicule and contempt" and has caused her "great anxiety of mind, humiliation and mortification," says her lawsuit.

The lawsuit names the Shubert Organization Inc., producer of the show, and Serino Coyne Inc., the musical's marketing agency, as defendants. It seeks unspecified damages.