Merle Haggard Sues Environmental Group

Merle Haggard is suing Green Train, a Nashville-based environmental awareness group, saying the company used his name and likeness without his permission. Green Train had planned a concert-and-train tour schedule for six weeks, starting in April from Portland, Oregon, and ending in Washington, D.C.

According to Haggard, who donated $20,000 to the organization and agreed to be part of the train ride, the group "grossly exaggerated" his involvement, MSNBC reported. In addition, Haggard alleges in the lawsuit that the group forged his signature on solicitation materials, items sold on e-Bay, and personal letters that went to Dolly Parton, Jewel, and Amy Grant and Vince Gill, among others.

"By using Mr. Haggard's name and other aspects of Mr. Haggard's identity to promote the Green Train project under these circumstances, defendants create the false impression that the project has been operated in a credible, ethical and legal fashion, when in fact that is not the case," the lawsuit states.

Haggard is requesting his name be immediately removed from any advertisement and promotional material associated with Green Train. He is also seeking attorney fees and compensatory damages.