News Anchor Sues Over Toy Hamster’s Name
Sharing a name with someone can lead to a happy coincidence, a point of annoyance, or anything in between. Usually, at least; carrying a name with serious weight in the world can lead to some major problems, even if they’re the result of some letters strung together. Fox news anchor Harris Faulkner and toy maker Hasbro found that out the hard way — because the former opted to sue the latter over a name-based slight.
As unlikely as it may be, the anchorwoman shares her name with a toy hamster, and a part of Hasbro’s line of Littlest Pet Shop merchandise. The hamster went on the market back in 2014; meanwhile, the anchor has been on Fox News’ programs for a solid decade. She hit the scene first, so it’s not entirely far-fetched to understand why she would see a toy that — in her eyes — shares some of her distinct features as a way to mock her. Understanding or not, Faulkner has demanded more than five million dollars for Hasbro’s non-compliance — not just for the toy’s creation, but the fact that they refused to change course after her first outcry in January. Below is Harris Faulkner, news anchor (left), and Harris Faulkner, toy hamster (right).
There’s no telling how this matter will be settled for now. It’s an absurd situation, to be sure, but it’s also got a lesson for anyone to keep in mind: even something as simple as a name can be worth millions.
