Civil conspiracy sabotaged flattering book
[Raleigh, NC - Tuesday, August
15, 2006
(updated)] Jeannie
Holleman, author of Out Of The Blue ~ Clay it Forward, filed suit
Friday, August 4th, 2006, against pop star Clay Aiken, his mother, Faye Parker,
and others for defamation and conspiring to sabotage the sale of Out Of The Blue, a
flattering book about Aiken and his adoring fans. Fans and others contributed to
the book, but it was unauthorized by Aiken. 
The lawsuit alleges that the Defendants used Aiken’s fans’ web sites to post false and misleading statements about Holleman’s claims in her book, particularly her lifelong relationship with the McGhee family. Amaryllis [Nanny] McGhee took in baby Aiken and his mother when they fled the domestic violence of Aiken’s biological father (to read complaint, see link below).
Aiken, who wrote about his "adopted" family [the McGhee's] in his book, Learning to Sing, has always considered them as part of his own. Holleman had lived in the same neighborhood as 'Nanny McGhee, and they went to the same church. The McGhee's and the Holleman's have been close friends since the 1920’s.
Published in January, 2006, Out Of The Blue is one part history, two parts memoir and three parts inspiration. Holleman shares memories of Aiken, including fond memories from his "adopted" family. Most of the book however, is devoted to fans’ stories of how Clay Aiken, and being an Aiken fan, has changed their lives. It also provides some never-before-seen photographs from his early years, to his rise as a super star, after winning runner-up in the second season of Fox's, American Idol.
Parker admitted, in an email quoted in the Complaint, “[I] agree that the book is positive.” However, she wrote her own internet “disclaimer” denigrating the book. Parker allegedly pressured Aiken’s "adopted" family to write a public statement falsely claiming that Aiken's "adopted" grandmother had no idea her memories would be published in Holleman’s book. Aiken was allegedly not pleased that she (a lady who is like a second mother to Holleman), had contributed to Out Of The Blue.
The alleged conspiracy from the Aiken camp, to prevent Out Of The Blue from being a success, not only damaged Holleman financially, it ripped into friendships that have lasted half a century.
Arlaine Rockey, Holleman’s attorney said. “Faye and Clay have ruined my client’s reputation by defaming her and subjecting her to public ridicule by Aiken’s fans on the internet. Faye is worshipped almost as much is her son is, and we alleged that the fans believe she is speaking for him.”
Rockey went on to say, “The side of Clay Aiken and Faye Parker shown in the Complaint may shock some people. For example, it alleges that Clay had his bodyguard manhandle and embarrass Miss Holleman at a 2005 Bubel Aiken Foundation fundraiser, held in Hawaii. That’s why we’re suing for two counts of battery."
: In response to Mr. Aiken's comments to media on Monday, August 7th (click here)
"Despite the responses from Mr. Aiken and others in the Aiken camp, I stand by Ms. Holleman's Complaint. After reviewing the evidence, much of which is noted in the Complaint, and speaking to witnesses, I drafted a detailed Complaint that is well-grounded in fact and in law. The Complaint itself is public record, and is linked to my website, www.ArlaineRockey.com. I would hope that people would read the Complaint before making judgments about my client, her motives, or the timing of this lawsuit, which was out of her control due to the applicable statute of limitations" (photos from the book, of Holleman with the McGhee family).
The suit outlines eight causes of action, and also seeks punitive damages due in part to the alleged fraud.
Jeannie Holleman and her attorney Arlaine Rockey are available for comment, interviews and appearances.
Interview with Jeannie Holleman I McGhee Photos I Contact Publicist