Getting to the Bottom of Mischa Barton: Star Claims Cellulite Doctoring

An interesting story is emerging over possible false light and defamation violations involving Mischa Barton’s thighs. The starlet is objecting that a widely distributed picture of her backside and thighs covered in cellulite is doctored. If the culprit is found, it would make for an interesting tort case since she could bring charges of misappropriation of likeness or image, false light, and defamation. Britain’s Daily Mail first published the pictures. Australian photographer Jamie Fawcett has also been named in the controversy as a possible culprit, though there is no direct proof of doctoring of the photographs.

Barton’s rep, Lisa Perkins, insists: “I’m not saying she’s perfect, nobody is. But they’ve given a 22-year-old woman the legs and bottom of an 80-year-old.” She has produced pictures of her bottom to defend her status as postergirl. For the pictures, click here

Britain’s Daily Mail, which bought the shots, suggested that Barton’s smoking produced the disfigurement. The newspaper reported that “The nasty habit is one of the reasons [for] the premature emergence of her cellulite.”

Fawcett denies doctoring but admits that he dogged Barton for shots. Fawcett has been cited for improper actions previously, including in a restraining order from Nicole Kidman. Great way to make a buck.

For the full story, click here