Suit Filed Over Lance Armstrong Books

A class-action lawsuit has been filed by the readers of Lance Armstrong’s inspirational books following the cyclist’s admission of ongoing steroid usage.  The suit against Armstrong and his publisher claims that the athlete’s repeated and vehement denials of using steroids deceived readers.  The readers feel betrayed, and they want their money back!

Virginia cyclist and lawyer Doug Landau, of Abrams Landau, Ltd., believes that if the books were published as non-fiction as opposed to purely inspirational, then Mr. Armstrong may have some explaining to do.

“As long as the case is centered on the intent to mislead readers — and profit thereby — there may be something to it,” says Doug.  “It’s an interesting question:  can purchasers and readers of a book that contains material statements of fact (1) that are false and (2) that the author knows to be false at the time, bring a cause of action for their money back ?  Are they entitled to anything more ?  I think that if I were the judge, I would award a refund, but only against Mr. Armstrong, not the publisher.  Unless, of course, the evidence shows the publisher, supplier and booksellers were in cahoots.  But as to anything more, probably not.”

This case may ring a bell.  For an example of a book that was based on falsehoods outside of the sports world that resulted in a settlement, click here.