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Evel Knievel, Kanye West Settle Lawsuit

AP Photo/Island Def Jam Music Group

In this undated photo released by Island Def Jam Music Group, daredevil Robert Craig "Evil" Knievel and musician Kanye West pose for a photo at Knievel's home in Clearwater, Fla. Knievel and West have amicably resolved and dismissed the case, entitled Knievel and K and K Promotions v West, Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC, Chris Milk and AOL LLC, in connection with West's "Touch the Sky" video.

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 27, 2007

Updated: 11/27/2007 08:15 pm

TAMPA - Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil, on Tuesday settled a lawsuit over his trademarked image with rapper Kanye West, who portrayed the motorcycle legend in a music video.

Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel, who lives in Clearwater, said, "It was a very fair settlement," he said without disclosing the amount. "He is a very sincere, wonderful guy. We parted as friends."

Knievel filed the lawsuit against West over the "Touch the Sky" video, in which the rapper portrays "Evel Kanyevel." In the video, the rapper unsuccessfully attempts to jump Snake River Canyon, just like the real Knievel.

Knievel and West had agreed during the summer to mediation.

The settlement was announced as the superstar rapper is mourning his mother, who died Nov. 10.

"I am sorry it had to happen at this time," Knievel said. "I know it's a very emotional time for him with the passing of his mother. We certainly didn't plan this."

The federal lawsuit was filed in December in U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida and dismissed Tuesday following the settlement. In his lawsuit, Knievel had alleged West's video infringed on a trademark that has grossed more than $300 million.

The lawsuit had also named West's record label, Roc-A-Fella Records; the video's director, Chris Milk; and AOL, which had the video available via its Web site.

Reporter Chris Echegaray can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or cechegaray@tampatrib.com.

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