A globe-trotting male exotic dancer whose stage name is “Punisher” has slapped NBC with a $2 million lawsuit, claiming the Peacock Network tanked his career by using his trademarked photograph in a news-magazine segment about a scam artist.
Sharay Hayes, 39, a Harlem resident who has modeled his sculpted pecs on VH1 reality shows, claims his reputation was damaged when the “Dateline” segment “The Perfect Catch” used a shirtless promotional shot of him without his permission.
Hayes “did not participate in any manner whatsoever in the alleged ‘scam’ of any of the women depicted in ‘The Perfect Catch,’ ” the hunky performer insists in court papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court. But since the show aired in June 2012, Hayes has been linked to the con man, a ’90s rapper named Tim “Dog” Blair.
The “Dateline” host was interviewing one of Blair’s victims, who lost thousands in a deal for a phony Chippendale’s-like tour, when Hayes’ half-naked picture flashed across the screen.
Hayes says that since that use of his image, his shows have been canceled and he has suffered from depression.
“Women who had booked me were calling saying, ‘Is this a scam?’ ” Hayes said.
NBC did not return calls and e-mails for comment.