Federal judge dismisses Bob Vila public relations lawsuit

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A Chicago federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that television home renovation expert Bob Vila filed against a northern Illinois public relations specialist.

Vila sued Robert Smith of Loves Park earlier this year, saying Smith falsely claimed to represent him to sell celebrity endorsement rights to Midwest home improvement shows. Vila sought $2 million in damages.

The Rockford Register Star reports (http://bit.ly/2aVGyi0 ) that U.S. District Judge John W. Darrah agreed with Vila’s attorneys and dismissed the lawsuit Wednesday without prejudice, meaning Vila can refile later.

The 69-year-old Vila of Palm Beach, Florida, is best known as the host of “This Old House,” ”Bob Vila’s Home Again” and “Restore America with Bob Vila.”

Smith told the newspaper he couldn’t “discuss any specifics.” Vila’s attorney didn’t return newspaper requests for comment.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, http://www.rrstar.com

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