Tom Bodett Files Lawsuit Against Motel 6

Tom Bodett, the familiar voice behind Motel 6’s catchy tagline “We’ve turned on the lights for you,” has taken legal action against the motel chain. This comes after a nearly four-year partnership came to an unexpected end.

In a complaint submitted to Manhattan Federal Court on Monday evening, Bodett claimed that the India-based company OYO severed ties with Motel 6 on January 7 due to an overdue annual payment of $1.2 million, which was stipulated in their contract.

He argues that Motel 6 is still using his name and voice for their reservation line, which, according to him, is a clear infringement of his rights under contract and federal trademark laws.

The 70-year-old voice actor and author, who has lent his smooth baritone to several National Public Radio documentaries and Ken Burns projects, believes he played a crucial role in elevating the Motel 6 brand. He attempted to reach a confidential settlement for a “graceful closure” but claims the company only responded with “misrepresentation, obfuscation, and delayed tactics.”

The lawsuit seeks additional unspecified damages along with the initial $1.2 million claim.

A representative from G6 Hospitality, the parent company of Motel 6, expressed surprise at Bodett’s lawsuit but indicated a desire to resolve the matter amicably. They acknowledged Bodett’s contributions over the years and reaffirmed their commitment to his iconic slogan.

Bodett, who has been the chain’s primary spokesperson since 1986, mentioned that he originally crafted the phrase “We Leave the Light for You” spontaneously.

Motel 6 boasts over 1,450 locations across the U.S. and Canada, and its recent ownership transfer to OYO occurred in December for $525 million, moving from Blackstone Real Estate.

This case is officially filed in the U.S. District Court, No. 1, Southern District of New York, under the title Bodett et al V G6 Hospitality LLC et al, Case No. 25-04854.