Judge tosses suit against "The Help" author
(CBS/AP) JACKSON, Miss. - A lawsuit against Kathryn Stockett, author of the best-selling novel "The Help," has been rejected by a Mississippi judge.
The lawsuit was filed by Ablene Cooper, a black woman who works for Stockett's brother. She claims a main character in the book, Aibileen, is based on her. Cooper alleged Stockett used her name and likeness without permission.
Circuit Judge Tommie Green ruled Tuesday that a one-year statute of limitations had run out between the time Stockett gave Cooper a copy of the book and the time the lawsuit was filed in February. The lawsuit sought $75,000 in damages.
Stockett was not in court in Jackson, the same city where the book is set.
Cooper wiped away tears leaving the courtroom and went on an emotional rant outside the courthouse.
"She's a liar. She did it. She knows she did it," Cooper screamed.
The judge did not make any determination on whether Cooper was the basis for the character, Aibileen, saying the statute of limitations trumped those matters.
Read more: "The Help" author sued by family maid
"The Help" was made into a movie, starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis. It debuted at No. 2 nationwide, bringing in $26 million.
The novel and film are based on relationships between white families in Mississippi and the African-American women who worked for them in the 1960s.
