In case you hadn't heard...
Rosie trial a draw
Judge decides not to award damages in highly publicized battle over the demise of a magazine.
November 12, 2003: 2:46 PM EST
By Meghan Collins, CNN/Money Staff Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - A judge ruled Wednesday that neither side in the Rosie O'Donnell trial deserved damages in her dispute with her former publisher over the demise of Rosie magazine.
Rosie O'Donnell on her way into court in New York Wednesday morning.
In his statement, New York Supreme Court Justice Ira Gammerman said the lawsuit was "ill-conceived," CNNfn reported. Gammerman also said that outside of legal fees, neither side proved any damages.
An estimate that the magazine was worth a projected $65 million was tossed around but not backed up by testimony, he added, noting there was no proof that the magazine was going to be a profitable venture, as there had been testimony that it was losing money.
Gammerman said really what was at stake were bragging rights.
But despite the lack of a ruling in favor of either side, one expert said O'Donnell is the real winner.
"I think it's a big victory for Rosie. Who doesn't?," said Charles Sims, a partner in the entertainment law practice of Proskauer Rose LLP. "Rosie didn't want this fight. She wouldn't have brought this lawsuit if they didn't sue her (first). She just wanted to show that the claims were unjustified."