“American Chopper” star Paul Teutul has lost another legal battle.
A judge ordered Teutul earlier this week to pay photographer Scott Gunnells $258,484.45 for using his artwork without permission, according to Southern District of New York court documents obtained by Page Six on Thursday.
Pennsylvania-based Gunnells sued Paul, 70, and his son Michael “Mikey” Teutul, 41, in June, claiming he owned the copyright to an original photo of Michael that was used on merchandise and on the show. It is unclear how much the family made off of the T-shirts and hoodies, but they were listed online for $19.95 and $39.99, respectively.
Gunnells also claimed that the Teutuls didn’t have permission to use a different photo he took of Michael to promote Michael’s art exhibition. He said they also removed his logo from the shot.
Paul’s business Orange County Choppers was also listed in the suit, alongside Discovery Inc. and Pilgrim Media Group, which air and produce “American Chopper.”
Paul’s rep had no comment on the lawsuit.
Paul has a lengthy history of legal troubles.
His former business partner sued him for fraud in 2017, and his Montgomery, NY home was in foreclosure until he sold it in June 2019.
He then filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2018. At the time of filing, he claimed that he owed $1,070,893.44 and that he was only worth $1,801,729. He also reported that he made $15,070.93 per month, but spent $12,612 to keep up with his lifestyle.
He also owed $22,364.60 in state taxes for his Newburgh, NY-based restaurant, Orange County Choppers Cafe, in 2018.
His bankruptcy case is still ongoing, with the trustees presiding over the case accusing him of neglecting the ordeal in April.