False #MeToo allegations lead to accused celebrity filing legal complaint against DEFY Media
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LOS ANGELES – Attorneys for Andy Signore, the creator of Screen Junkies, Man at Arms, Honest Trailers and more, filed a legal complaint in Los Angeles court Tuesday against DEFY Media for revoking Signore’s ownership interest in the company.
In the complaint, Signore, who was falsely accused of sexual assault, abuse and retribution by a fan, disputes the account and presents evidence of their consensual relationship, which vindicates him. Additionally, the complaint alleges that DEFY Media used the situation to strip Signore of his ownership rights and avoided paying Signore, while defaming his character publicly.
“The past year has been extremely difficult after being falsely accused of sexual assault. As a result, I had my ownership in the company taken away, lost my family and my reputation,” said Signore. “I have never threatened, abused, assaulted or forced myself on anyone. I did however engage in infidelities that I regret tremendously. My ex-wife and my family are the true victims here and I am deeply sorry to them. I am grateful for McMurray Henriks for taking my case and helping to clear my name.”
Signore was ousted by DEFY in October of 2017 following the Harvey Weinstein scandal when public allegations were made falsely accusing Signore of sexual assault. Despite DEFY’s awareness of the consensual relationship two months prior, the company used the opportunity to terminate Signore’s ownership interest and publicly humiliate him by promoting the false claims made against him via multiple online platforms, the complaint alleges.
“I believe Mr. Signore has a strong case against DEFY,” said Yana Henriks, a partner at McMurray Henriks, the law firm, which represents Signore. “The tortious and reckless behavior DEFY demonstrated by exploiting the opportunity to use false and egregious claims against Andy to misappropriate products of his long hard work of many years is utterly appalling. No person’s ownership interest should be taken away based on social media postings and anyone who does that should be responsible in a court of law.”
Signore was an equity member in DEFY entities until his ownership was wrongfully revoked over the October 2017 weekend when the social media postings went viral. Following Signore’s ousting, DEFY sold Screen Junkies for an undisclosed amount.
While other women did come forward alleging private flirtatious conversations they had with Signore, no other allegations of criminal misconduct were made by anyone.