Frankie Avalon Sues Hotel

By Stephen M. Silverman

11/06/1997 at 12:00 AM EST

Former '50s and '60s teen idol Frankie Avalon, 59, has sued the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills for at least $350,000 in damages. He alleges unauthorized use of his name in its advertising and publicity materials, which use the words "Frankly, Avalon" and feature a photograph of a model resembling him. The "Beach Blanket Bingo" star claims this has hurt his reputation and market value. The Associated Press was unsuccessful in reaching a hotel spokesperson yesterday.