NAMES IN THE NEWS : Judge in Animal Case Slammed
Rue McClanahan and Casey Kasem criticized the judge in a trial over a monkey trainer’s defamation complaint against an animal rights group.
The two spoke to reporters Saturday and criticized state District Judge Myron Leavitt’s participation in the case brought by Bobby Berosini.
McClanahan, who appears on NBC’s “Golden Girls,” Kasem of radio’s “American Top 40” and actress Peggy McCay, all animal rights activists, said Leavitt had taken contributions from the Stardust Hotel, where Berosini performs.
The hotel is not involved in the trial between Berosini and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Berosini is suing PETA for $80 million, claiming that the organization slandered him by releasing a videotape showing him disciplining orangutans used in his show.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
