I’m a big believer that there are too many lawsuits in this country. From the McDonald’s hot coffee fiasco, to a man who filed suit in 2006 against Michael Jordan and Nike co-founder Phil Knight because he found it “distressing” that people were confusing him with Jordan, people will stop at nothing for a buck and a little publicity.

The latest in a long list occurred late last month, when Paramount Realty Group of America sued Icelandic magnate and Baugur CEO Jon Asgeir Johannesson and his wife for installing an IKEA kitchen in a rented apartment at 50 Gramercy Park North. The lawsuit alleges the couple defiled the 16th floor apartment by installing an “ugly” kitchen unsuitable for the luxurious location. According to one article, Paramount paid $312,000 in rent to the Icelandic couple – “and didn't expect furniture for the masses.” (The exact model of the kitchen was not mentioned in the articles.)

As a member of the masses, I don’t know whether to laugh at this lawsuit, or feel a pang of disgust. Since the wording of the contract has not been publicized in the media, we can only assume for now that this is a case of one man’s taste in kitchen cabinetry not matching another’s.

I have a mix of furniture in my home, IKEA included. It’s good enough for me. Is it good enough for you?

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