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Pardon Scandal Goes To Hollywood

The $2 million was supposedly part of a $17 million offer for Clinton to work with Stan Lee media later on, and Paul alleges that he talked about a pardon for his previous offenses with then-DNC Chairman Ed Rendell. On top of that, the lawsuit names some major Hollywood celebrities as witnesses, including Brad Pitt, Cher, John Travolta, and hardcore partisan Barbara Streisand. "In the presence of Melanie Griffith, Sean Young, and Morgan Fairchild, among others, Mrs. Clinton again thanked Plaintiff for his generous financial support," says the court document.

Paul apparently didn't always part with his money so willingly however -- the lawsuit notes that he was increasingly concerned about the mounting costs of the Hollywood tribute, and that he had been allegedly warned that backing out of the event would end any ties he and the company had to Clinton. "After being threatened against backing out of the Hollywood Tribute fundraiser, Plaintiff asked that Mrs. Clinton’s U.S. Senate campaign put up $200,000 to help defray the mounting cost of the event. (Campaign Finance Director David) Rosen, who was in daily contact with Mrs. Clinton, refused," says the court document

Despite the attention-getting nature of the allegations however, Paul can still expect to face blistering attacks on his own credibility. Along with an earlier felony record, he was recently indicted for stock manipulation during his stint with Stan Lee Media, which folded early this year. Paul's credibility also suffers when considering that he's still avoiding U.S. authorities by living in Brazil, even if this week's release noted that he's eager to cooperate with the Justice Department. Critics could even argue that he's trying to deflect his own prosecution by dragging the Clintons down with him, but Paul reportedly kept evidence of his relationship with them, including cancelled checks and thank you notes. Meanwhile, Stan Lee, the creator of comic book classics like Spider Man and the Incredible Hulk, has not been charged with any wrongdoing. According to the lawsuit, Paul saw Mr. Lee as the "Walt Disney of the comics industry" and was supposedly out to turn him into a "universally recognized cultural icon" with his political activities.