Woody Allen sues American Apparel over ads

By Emily Chasan

NEW YORK, March 31 (Reuters) - Woody Allen on Monday sued American Apparel Inc (APP.A), claiming the U.S. clothing company used his image in advertising on billboards and the Internet without his consent.

The billboard ads, which depict Allen dressed as a rabbi, appeared in New York and California, according to the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

Allen, an Oscar-winning U.S. director known for his work in films such as "Annie Hall" and "Crimes and Misdemeanors," said in the suit he was neither contacted by the company, nor compensated for the use of his image.

"Allen does not engage in the commercial endorsement of products or services in the United States," according to the lawsuit.

He is seeking damages in excess of $10 million, according to the suit.

A representative for American Apparel did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The company makes and sells its own cotton apparel and has more than 180 stores in the United States and Canada. (Reporting by Emily Chasan, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)