The founder of a clothing company being sued by Woody Allen denies the defense ever wanted to delve into the film director's past.

In this April 22, 2009 file photo, director Woody Allen attends the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival opening premiere of 'Whatever Works' at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York.

Dov Charney of American Apparel said in a statement Wednesday that Allen "is a source of inspiration to me."

Allen sued the company for US$10 million after it used his picture on its billboards and on a Web site. The film director says the company didn't have permission.

Company lawyers have said Allen's image was already beyond repair. They said they were thinking about calling Allen's former companion Mia Farrow and his current wife — Farrow's adopted daughter — as witnesses.

Jury selection is set for this month.

(China Daily/Agencies May 8, 2009)