July 8, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Octavia Spencer Awarded $940,000 In Lawsuit Against Weight-Loss Company:

A judge today awarded Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer a $940,000 default judgment in her lawsuit against a weight-loss company in which she alleged she was wrongfully fired and owed money.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Stern found in favor of Spencer and against Sensa Products Inc.

“Good luck in collecting on this case,” Stern told Spencer’s attorneys. “Maybe you can sell the product at a garage sale.”

No attorney appeared on behalf of the company today. On Nov. 25, Stern granted a request by the law firm representing Sensa to withdraw as counsel and Sensa did not participate in the case after that.

Spencer, 44, and her company, Orit Entertainment Inc., sued Sensa in August 2013. Stern previously dismissed her claim for fraud but said she could move forward with her claim for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Her suit also sought an accounting of Sensa products.

According to Spencer’s lawsuit, she passed on a $3 million offer from another firm to sign a $1.25 million deal with Sensa because the company agreed to such conditions as an ad campaign that focused on a healthier lifestyle, rather than on her weight loss or the use of before-and-after photos.

The actress alleges that after she lived up to her end of the bargain and lost 20 pounds, Sensa began trying to find ways to avoid paying her and terminated the contract.

On March 13, Sensa countersued, alleging the actress failed to abide by her agreement regarding Twitter promotions of the firm and also refused to allow the use of photographs in ads of her before and after her weight loss.

According to the countersuit, Spencer and Sensa agreed on the terms of the actress’ endorsement deal in August 2012. After Spencer allegedly breached deadlines in January 2013, the agreement was amended to allow Sensa to ask Spencer’s approval for use of the before-and-after photos and to mention in ads that she lost 20 pounds, the countersuit states.

Spencer also was obligated under the agreement to make at least two Twitter posts a month concerning Sensa products and to obtain prior approval of their content before they were released, the countersuit stated.

Stern dismissed the countersuit today.

Spencer won her best supporting actress Oscar for her work in the 2011 movie “The Help.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...