
Anyone who has ever been to New York City has most likely encountered Times Square’s Naked Cowboy. I never really understood the appeal of A) Times Square and its massive carbon footprint, or B) the appeal of a guitar-strumming man in his tightie whities (unless, of course, that man is John Mayer..mmmmm), but for some reason this dude is totally famous.
In Times Square, at least.
Well, now he’s taking his show on the road: to the New York City court system. As if being a naked cowboy wasn’t obnoxious enough, this dude is now suing the makers of M&M’s for stealing his “bit” in their latest ads in NYC.
His “bit” being taking off his clothes and playing the guitar for small children? Um…how is that not the issue here?!
But, poor guy has to hold onto something. I mean, this is all he has. Especially since his self confidence was totally shot when some 7th grade girls saw his…talent… and laughed in his face.
[Photo courtesy of AOL]


3 Comments
I’ve always wondered about the appeal of this guy. He’s always been a fixture in the square, much like the multiple screaming evangelicals and the homeless folks with oodles of ‘personality’. But whats the deal- why is he famous? Its just a lame novelty schtick…
I love “As if being a naked cowboy wasn’t obnoxious enough…”. Touche.
Why is everyone dissing on the Naked Cowboy? (and by everyone I mean two people, so far)
He’s famous because he had an idea that got him noticed, and by word of mouth he has become something that NYC tourists seek out. There’s Lady Liberty, Empire State Building, the Bull of Wall Street, and among many other things, this guy.
Maybe he should be thankful for the increased exposure (as is xerox when someone says they want to “xerox something” on any generic copy machine), but he’s fighting for trademark rights over M&M’s parody.
I don’t really know who should win the case, nor will I lose sleep over the outcome. In either case I don’t think it’s fair to say he isn’t famous… he’s certainly found a way to draw more attention than we ever have.
I hope somebody reads this… seeing as how it’s on the nth page of archives.
But anyway, update to the story below
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/07/01/naked.cowboy/index.html
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