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Knievel, West Settle Lawsuit

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

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.

"It was a very fair settlement," said Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel, a Clearwater resident, 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 Tampa's U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and was dismissed Tuesday after the settlement. In his lawsuit, Knievel alleged that West's video infringed on a trademark that has grossed more than $300 million.

The lawsuit also named West's record label, Roc-A-Fella Records.

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

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