Singer Jessica Simpson Wins Arbitration Case

The public will not see a workout video featuring singer Jessica Simpson on store shelves as she has won an arbitration case to keep the fitness video from being marketed.

Singer Jessica Simpson won the arbitration ruling which bars Speedfit, LLC and its owner, Alex Astilean, from using Simpson's name and likeness to promote the 2005 video.

The video was shot in August 2005 during a day three stint, the same month that Simpson appeared as Daisy Duke in the movie "The Dukes of Hazzard."

The arbitrator awarded Simpson $357,587 to cover fees and costs. She was not awarded anything on her breach-of-contract claim.

Astilean on the other hand, was ordered to pay Simpson's business manager, David Levin, $50,000 for defamation.

In general, the arbitration process involves the submission of a dispute to an unbiased third person designated by the parties to the controversy, who agree in advance to comply with the award--a decision to be issued after a hearing at which both parties have an opportunity to be heard.

The singer/actress originally sued Speedfit owner Alex Astilean for breach of contract when he allegedly failed to deliver a DVD fit for sale, despite allowing him a year for editing.

Astilean had countersued Simpson for $10 million.

In reaction to the ruling however, Astilean said he plans to challenge it as has experienced significant financial setbacks and lost his house.

In a 35-page ruling, arbitrator Kathleen Roberts said the arbitration case was difficult as she was aware how "personally and financially devastating" it is for Astilean.

• Jessica Simpson wins ban on exercise video (Reuters)
• Arbitration Explained (FindLaw)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (provided by Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C.)