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Actress Sues Cerritos Man Behind "Innocence of Muslims"

The controversial film, which mocks the Prophet Muhammad, is said to be one of the catalyst to the ongoing violence in the Middle East.

An actress who appeared in the anti-Muslim film linked to a Cerritos resident that caused chaos across the globe for its negative characterizations of the founder of Islam sued the movie's producer Wednessday, claiming he misrepresented the intent of the production.   

Cindy Lee Garcia, one of the actresses in "Innocence of Muslims," filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who also goes by the name Sam Bacile. She also names Google Inc. and YouTube.

The lawsuit alleges invasion of privacy, fraud, slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

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A representative for Google, which owns YouTube, did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Garcia maintains she and other actors were tricked into appearing in the film without knowing it's true theme.

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"Mr. Bacile represented to her that the film was indeed an adventure film about ancient Egyptians," the suit states.

Instead, Garcia found herself involved in a different type of movie altogether and her life in danger, according to the complaint.

"She has been subjected to credible death threats and is in fear of her life and the life and safety of anyone associated with her," the suit states.

Garcia wants a permanent injunction removing the video from YouTube.

Garcia has suffered severe emotional distress, financial setbacks and the "destruction of her career and reputation," according to the complaint.

The film depicts the Muslim Prophet Muhammad as a child abuser and womanizer, sparking days of violent protests.

Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Tripoli, was killed along with three other State Department employees Sept. 11 in an attack on the American Consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi by a heavily armed force coinciding with a demonstration. He is believed to have died of smoke inhalation.

An anti-American demonstration also took place Sept. 11 in Cairo, where the U.S. Embassy was breached but did not come under gunfire.

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Click here to watch Patch video of Nakoula B. Nakuola being escorted from his Cerritos residence. 

Also previously on Cerritos-Artesia Patch:

  • Cerritos Home Tied to Maker of Anti-Islamist Film
  • WATCH: Worldwide Media Attention Prompts Cerritos Sheriff's to Monitor Controversial Filmmaker's Home
  • World's Eyes Glued to Cerritos Residence as Anti-Islam Filmmaker Remains in Hiding
  • Attorneys Consult With Nakoula Inside His Cerritos Home
  • WATCH: Cerritos Sheriff's Deputies Escort Embattled Anti-Islam Filmmaker Out of Home Saturday
  • PHOTO GALLERY: Cerritos Resident Linked to Anti-Islamic Film Leaves His Home
  • Nakoula Family Leaves Cerritos Home In Darkness With Plans Never to Return
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