Actor Verne Troyer has reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed against a porn broker and distributor, preventing the general distribution of a sex tape featuring Troyer and a former girlfriend. The agreement requires the approval of Troyer before the tape or any images from it can be sold or distributed.

Lawsuit and Settlement Details

Verne Troyer, known for his role as Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" film series, filed a $20 million lawsuit against porn broker Kevin Blatt, distributor SugarDVD, and celebrity gossip website TMZ. This legal action followed the release of snippets from a 50-minute sex tape depicting Troyer and his ex-girlfriend. The lawsuit was initiated after TMZ aired parts of the tape on its website and TV show.

Court documents filed on a Friday indicated that Troyer had settled his lawsuit against Blatt and SugarDVD. Records show that both Blatt and SugarDVD have signed agreements. These agreements stipulate that they must obtain Troyer's approval before selling or distributing the tape or any images derived from it. Edwin McPherson, one of Troyer's attorneys, stated that Troyer has no intention of ever granting such approval. McPherson also indicated plans to amend the lawsuit to try and prevent Ranae Shrider, Troyer's ex-girlfriend, from releasing the tape.

Prior to the settlement, attorneys for Troyer had sought additional protection against the tape's release while negotiating with Blatt and SugarDVD. U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez had scheduled a hearing to address arguments about the tape. Judge Gutierrez had temporarily blocked the tape's release, with his order set to expire on a Monday. Troyer's attorneys requested a one-week delay to continue negotiations and sought an extension of the temporary restraining order barring SugarDVD from taking orders or selling the tape. A statement on SugarDVD's site, which claimed it was attempting to broker a deal for the tape, was later removed.

The Tape's Origins and Ownership Claims

The sex tape features Verne Troyer and his former live-in girlfriend, Ranae Shrider, and was reportedly filmed at the couple's apartment. Troyer had claimed the sex tape was stolen from his home. However, TMZ presented a statement from Shrider, asserting that she took the tape and authorized parts of its release to TMZ.

The whereabouts of the original tape became a point of contention. Troyer needed the tape, or a duplicate, to copyright it as part of his efforts to prevent its distribution. His attempts to locate the tape proved unsuccessful. The search became more complicated when representatives for Shrider stated that she had sold the video for $5,000 to a man who approached her outside her house. Holly Bannon, Shrider’s manager, described the transaction as "a cash deal" with no paperwork, and stated that the man gave a name she assumed was false. Shrider’s attorney, Keith Davidson, said she informed him that the man intended the video for private viewing, not commercial use. McPherson expressed incredulity at Shrider's claim, questioning the circumstances of the sale.

Key Individuals and Companies

  • Verne Troyer: American actor, comedian, and stunt performer, best known for playing Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" film series. Born January 1, 1969, died April 21, 2018.
  • Kevin Blatt: Porn broker named in Troyer's lawsuit.
  • SugarDVD: Distributor named in Troyer's lawsuit.
  • TMZ: Celebrity gossip website and TV show named in Troyer's lawsuit, which aired parts of the sex tape.
  • Ranae Shrider: Troyer's ex-girlfriend and co-star in the sex tape.
  • Edwin McPherson: One of Verne Troyer's attorneys.
  • U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez: Judge who scheduled a hearing and issued a temporary restraining order regarding the tape.

Key Facts

  • Verne Troyer filed a $20 million lawsuit against Kevin Blatt, SugarDVD, and TMZ.
  • The lawsuit concerned a 50-minute sex tape featuring Troyer and Ranae Shrider.
  • Blatt and SugarDVD signed agreements requiring Troyer's approval for distribution.
  • Troyer's attorney stated he has no intention of granting approval for the tape's release.
  • Ranae Shrider claimed she sold the tape for $5,000 to a private collector.
  • TMZ aired snippets of the tape on its website and TV show.