Report: Chinese Earthquake Victims Demand $1B From Sharon Stone

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP)—  More than 1,000 Chinese earthquake victims and a New York lawyer are demanding a $1 billion payout from Sharon Stone — or maybe just an apology, the New York Post reports.

The "Basic Instinct" star was recently served with legal papers announcing attorney Ming Hai's intention to sue her for harming Chinese people when she suggested the catastrophic quake last May was "karma" for the regime's occupation of Tibet.

"For the families who have lost their loved ones or lost limbs or suffered severe injuries, your ... statement and act has caused extreme emotional distress," Ming wrote, citing the controversial comments Stone made at the Cannes Film Festival.

In a public apology last month, Stone, 50, said she "misspoke" and "could not be more regretful for that mistake."

Last month, the backlash in China against Stone continued as the Shanghai International Film Festival said the American actress was not welcome at this year's event.

French fashion house Christian Dior dropped Stone from its Chinese ads after she made the comments during a Cannes Film Festival red-carpet interview.