The drama that began on screen and spilled over into reality continues to unfold as famed actress Olivia de Havilland scored a significant court victory Friday. Her lawsuit against FX Networks and Ryan Murphy Productions is headed to trial in November.
FX and Murphy had filed a motion to dismiss the 101-year-old legend's lawsuit over her depiction in the Emmy-nominated series "Feud: Bette and Joan," citing the U.S. and California constitutions' rights to free speech in connection with a public issue. They claimed that de Havilland's consent was not needed to include her in the show, nor did her inclusion violate her right of publicity, citing the state's statutes protecting petition and free-speech rights.
At Friday's hearing, L.A. Superior Court Judge Holly Kendig ruled that de Havilland's complaint will stand, after hearing both sides make their case.
De Havilland filed suit in June over the "unauthorized use of her identity" in the FX series created by Murphy. The show centered on the rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and featured Catherine Zeta-Jones as de Havilland.
Earlier this month, de Havilland was granted an expedited trial because of her advanced age, and a judge set the date for Nov. 29.
A representative for FX told The Times the network had no additional comment Friday morning.
