According to Douglas, she never gave the Barbie-maker authorization to produce nor market the doll, which is based on her character from the widely watched 1960's television series
The Beverly Hillbillies. Court papers further state that Douglas never approved the use of her photo, as Elly May Clampett, which appears on both sides of the Barbie's packaging.
The Elly May Barbie doll was released in 2011, along with dolls from the TV shows
Bewitched and I
Dream of Jeannie. The dolls in the series all carry the appearance of the vintage Barbie. Douglas, however, claims that Mattel did not have the right to use her name to endorse the doll, which was initially introduced in December of 2010.
Last week, Douglas filed a federal lawsuit against Mattel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the hopes of receiving compensation and forcing the company to stop using her image. However, Jules Andrews, a Mattel spokesperson, argues that the company has in fact ''licensed the rights to
The Beverly Hillbillies for this product.''
Douglas, who is now 77 years old, continues to appear as her character, Elly May Clampett, for public events. She is also known for her role as Frankie in the 1965 Elvis Presley movie
Frankie and Johnny.
The Beverly Hillbillies ran from 1962 until 1971 and is still in syndication around the world. Other highly recognized names from the show include Buddy Ebson, who played Uncle Jed, Irene Ryan, who played the part of granny, and Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro.
