'Innocence of Muslims' Actress To Sue YouTube and Google: Why?

Cindy Lee Garcia, an actress in the highly controversial film, Innocence of Muslims, is suing producer Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, also known under the pseudonym, Sam Bacile, YouTube, its owner Google and 200 unnamed defendants, according to court documents obtained by Entertainment Weekly.

According to the lawsuit, she has “suffered severe emotional distress, the destruction of her career and reputation” after clips and a trailer were posted online. She alleges that the movie’s producers, including Nakoula, “intentially concealed the purpose and content of the film.” Garcia is asking for general damages according to proof at a jury trial. “We are reviewing the complaint and will be in court tomorrow,” a spokesperson for YouTube explained. The trouble stems from the detrimental representation of the Muslim prophet Muhammad in the film, showing him to be a killer and a paedophile, but Garcia, claiming she was grossly mislead, has stated that there was no mention of Muhammad during filming or on the set, and additionally, no references made to religion or sexual content.

“Mr. Bacile represented to her that the Film was indeed an adventure film and about ancient Egyptians,” says the lawsuit. “Based on those specific representations made and the script and the manner in which the Film was shot, she agreed to deliver an acting performance for Desert Warriors.” Now, according to court documents, she has been portrayed to have “voluntarily performed in a hateful anti-Islamic production.”