Hansen Weighs Lawsuit Over A24 Thriller, Cites Legal Advice
Chris Hansen has said he received legal counsel suggesting he might have a strong case against A24's upcoming film 'Primetime,' though he is hesitant to pursue it due to concerns about generating publicity. The former 'To Catch a Predator' host discussed the matter on SiriusXM's The Dan Abrams Show, noting that an entertainment lawyer told him he could likely win but questioned the time investment. Hansen previously bought ad space before screenings of the film to promote his own true-crime network.
Hansen discussed the potential legal dispute during a recent appearance on SiriusXM's The Dan Abrams Show, where he acknowledged that an entertainment lawyer had encouraged him to consider litigation. The attorney reportedly suggested Hansen could mount a credible case but questioned whether the effort would be worth his time. Hansen expressed reluctance to move forward, citing concerns that a lawsuit would draw additional attention to the film.
The former television host has already taken steps to counter the film's release, having purchased advertising space to run before Primetime screenings to promote his own true-crime network. The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim, is scheduled to hit theaters on September 25. Hansen's comments suggest he remains uncertain about his next move despite the legal encouragement he received.
This story could highlight how public figures navigate the line between legal recourse and strategic publicity in the entertainment industry. Hansen's hesitation may reflect a broader calculation many celebrities face when considering lawsuits against media properties, weighing potential financial or reputational gains against the risk of amplifying the very content they oppose. The outcome could influence how similar disputes are approached, particularly when true-crime figures feel their stories have been appropriated without consent.