Ablene Cooper an African American woman lives in Jackson, Mississippi and was a maid to the Stockett family for over 12 years.

Kathryn Stockett the sister of Robert Stockett who Ablene Cooper was formally employed by wrote a 'debut' novel called 'The Help' in 2009.

The book is about African American maids working in White households in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's.

The main character Aibileen Carter from the novel "The Help" has been stolen from Ms Cooper. The examples that I have been able to submit to this petition include the blatant theft of this woman's life*:

1. Aibileen is described as black middle aged, has a gold tooth, works for a white family in Jackson, Mississippi, and has a son who is deceased.

2. Ablene is black, middle aged, has a gold tooth, works for a White family in Jackson, Mississippi, and has a son who is deceased.

I believe that an invasion of privacy has occurred and without the permission of Ablene Cooper. And in fact prior to the publication of "The Help" Kathryn Stockett was asked not to use the name and likeness of Ablene in "The Help". However Ms Stockett refused!

Further evidence in Ablene's affidavit relates to:

1. Holding another to the public eye in a false light, intentional and or negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Ms Cooper's claimed damages of $75.000. The court case was overturned on a technicality relating to a statute of limitations.

We would respectfully ask that you take a few minutes to sign this petition and support Ablene's struggle to be heard and taken seriously.

*Please see our for further details