The mighty Cirque du Soleil entertainment conglomerate fired a legal salvo against 'Madhouse' creator Jeff Beacher this afternoon claiming that he's infringing on their name and reputation, but it's backfired because Beacher now wants them to apologize!
Cirque issued a cease and desist order demanding that he stop using their name and refrain from advertising Cirque's name and image on his website or in any media.
But Beacher is baffled and bemused by the David and Goliath blunder! "I never even thought of using their name or calling segments of my 'Madhouse' shows with their name. I've never used their name in my advertising or promotion and wasn't even planning to." 
His lawyer, Mike Heller, went even further. "My client has been an outstanding and law-abiding citizen in Vegas for many years. He has created a show that brings laughter and joy to the tourists and locals of Las Vegas. In 2005 Mayor Goodman gave him the key to the city of Las Vegas for his amazing achievements and he continues to contribute to the community. Mr. Beacher is a philanthropist and innovative in his line of business."
Now Beacher and his lawyers are demanding Cirque issue a retraction and apology. "Mr. Beacher appreciates Cirque du Soleil and would never use their name in vain. We ask for a total retraction and apology from Cirque du Soliel," said attorney Heller.
The whole legal row exploded over a new contest that Beacher plans to have in his new series of Hard Rock Hotel shows starting March 31. The contest is simply titled the "Orgasm Contest."
Beacher believes that Cirque's lawyers in Montreal, who vigilantly protect the name, image and reputation, blamed him for something posted on two obscure Indian websites, which are cited in the legal documents.
He explained: "I have no intention and never have even thought about calling my orgasm contest the Cirque du Soleil Contest. I'm calling it exactly what it is, an Orgasm Contest. If you look at Exhibit A and Exhibit B you will notice that they are blogs out of India if they did more than two seconds of research they would have realized I never called an orgasm contest the Cirque du Soliel Contest. I cannot be held responsible for somebody a million miles away in India using Cirque's name to illustrate or describe something I'm doing. I have never been to India. I am never going to India and I doubt if any Indian citizens will be fighting to come to Vegas to see my orgasm contest."
"I know I'm no stranger to controversy. but this is ridiculous." he said.
LUXE LIFE obtained a copy of Cirque's legal instructions to Beacher. The Montreal lawyers state that Cirque du Soleil contends that Beacher is "organizing a female orgasm contest at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on March 31, 2007 (the "Event") and that this Event is being advertised under the name CIRQUE DU SOLEIL on several online publications."
"We didn't. We aren't. We won't be. Now they must apologize and retract their lawsuit because it makes us look like the villain when in fact they are!" he summed up. "We have done nothing wrong. We weren't even planning to do anything wrong, yet they have threatened us as if 'Beacher's Madhouse' was going to topple their empire."
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1. You mean to tell me you're still alive and living in excess? Burp!
Bill at 3:39AM on Feb 14th 2007