Tom Bodett, known for his radio and TV ads telling travelers that at Motel 6 “we’ll leave the light on for you,” has sued the motel chain for using his name and voice without permission, after their nearly four-decade relationship broke down.
In a complaint filed on Monday night in Manhattan federal court, Bodett said he cut ties with Motel 6 after its new owner, India-based OYO, missed a $1.2 million annual payment due on Jan. 7 under their contract, which was to end in November.
Bodett said Motel 6 nonetheless kept using his name and voice on its national reservation phone line, violating his rights under the contract and federal trademark law.
The 70-year-old author and voice actor is known for appearances on National Public Radio and in several Ken Burns documentaries, as well as for his smooth baritone.
Bodett said he tried negotiating a confidential settlement that would recognize his role in building Motel 6, not hurt its image or franchisees, and provide “graceful closure,” but the chain responded only with “misrepresentations, obfuscations, and delay tactics.”
The lawsuit seeks $1.2 million, plus additional unspecified damages and a share of profits.
A spokesperson for G6 Hospitality, Motel 6’s immediate parent, said it was surprised by the lawsuit but hoped to resolve the dispute amicably.
“We appreciate Mr. Bodett’s contributions over the past years,” the spokesperson said. “Of course, we will continue to advertise keeping the lights on for you.”
Reached by email, Bodett said: “The complaint says all there is to say.”
Bodett had been Motel 6’s lead spokesman since 1986, and said he coined “we’ll leave the light on for you” as an ad-lib.
Motel 6 has more than 1,450 locations in the United States and Canada, according to its website.
OYO is a global travel technology unit of Oravel Stays, which bought Motel 6 from Blackstone Real Estate for $525 million in December.
The case is Bodett et al v G6 Hospitality LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-04854.
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