It’s finally over!

Woody Allen agreed today to accept a $5 million settlement from American Apparel.

This is reported to be the largest amount ever paid under the New York Right to Privacy Statute.

Allen had sued American Apparel in March 2008 for using his image on their billboards, storefront banners, corporate headquarters, and internet website without permission. The settlement comes on the day a jury trial was set to begin in Manhattan. One week earlier, the Court had rejected American Apparel’s principal defenses.

Allen issued a pretty loaded statement today.

“American Apparel calculatingly took my name, my likeness, and image and used them publicly to promote their business. Threats and press leaks by American Apparel designed to smear me did not work and a scheme to call a long list of witnesses who had nothing to do with the case was disallowed by the court. I hope this very large settlement will discourage American Apparel and others from doing this type of thing to myself or others in the future.”

I’m just happy the drama’s all done!