HOLLYWOOD - Beloved comedian Jackie Mason has filed a lawsuit against missionary group Jews for Jesus after they used his name and likeness on a pamphlet without permission.
The funnyman is seeking $2 million from the organization and the immediate destruction of the pamphlet, which Jews for Jesus members have been handing out across New York.
Mason, 75, was far from amused when he saw his likeness on the pamphlets, next to the words, "Jackie Mason... A Jew for Jesus."
He says, "While I have the utmost respect for people who practice the Christian faith, the fact is, as everyone knows, I am as Jewish as a matzo ball or kosher salami."
In court papers filed in New York, Mason adds, "The pamphlet uses my name, my likeness, my 'shtick' (if you will), and my very act, which is derived from my personality, to attract attention and converts."
Jews for Jesus officials have since hit back at Mason, with one spokeswoman stating yesterday, "Shame on him for getting so upset about this."
The Jews for Jesus organization is a Christian group which practices aspects of Judaism.
Article Copyright Entertainment News Network All Rights Reserved.