The man who imported THE SMURFS – lawyer STUART ROSS– has been jailed, accused of a bizarre $11 million extortion plot!
Ross who made millions off the blue neutered carton characters was unable to make his $200,000 bail after being arrested for allegedly attempting to blackmail his wealthy son-in-law David Blitzer, a Blackstone Group exec for amounts up to $11 million.
Ross once owned the North American rights to The Smurfs, investing in the blue cartoon figures from France in 1976, before they became breakaway Saturday morning kid fodder and a merchandising bonanza.
Part of Ross’ alleged blackmail gambit were repeated threats to smear Blitzer’s reputation, dragging his name and rep through the mud.
According to court papers, Ross targeted his own daughter, Allison Blitzer, as well.
Ross told his then-pregnant daughter he hoped her child died and her gravestone "carved with a vile obscenity."
The alleged extortion scheme collapsed two years as Ross’s threats escalated, and law enforcement became involved.
Ross pleaded not guilty to charges of grand larceny and attempted grand larceny and was held without bail following a court hearing last month. He was arrested in 2008.
A New York judge granted Ross’ request to act as his own attorney.
Ross claims he is unable to come up with the $20,000 bail after making some "bad investments".
Ironically, The Smurfs would made Ross’ fortune are soon to be the stars of a new live action film depicting them in the "real world" with Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria and Katy Perry as Smurfette.
