Longtime spokesperson Tom Bodett sues Motel 6

Tom Bodett, whose warm baritone and iconic line "we’ll leave the light on for you" made him the voice of Motel 6 for nearly four decades, is suing the motel chain and its parent company for alleged unauthorized use of his name and voice.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan federal court, Bodett said he ended his relationship with Motel 6 after its new owner, India-based travel firm OYO, failed to make a $1.2 million annual payment due on Jan. 7. Their contract was set to expire in November.

Why is Tom Bodett suing Motel 6?

The backstory:

Despite the contract lapse, Bodett claims Motel 6 continued using his voice and name on its national reservation phone line. The lawsuit alleges violations of both his contract rights and federal trademark law.

Bodett said he attempted to reach a confidential settlement that would honor his legacy and protect Motel 6’s reputation and franchisees, but accused the company of responding with "misrepresentations, obfuscations, and delay tactics."

The lawsuit seeks $1.2 million in owed compensation, along with additional damages and a share of profits.

What does Motel 6 say?

What they're saying:

A spokesperson for G6 Hospitality, the parent company of Motel 6, said the company was "surprised" by Bodett’s lawsuit but indicated it hoped for an amicable resolution.

"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."

Bodett, when contacted by email, told Reuters: "The complaint says all there is to say."

Who is Tom Bodett?

Tom Bodett became Motel 6’s lead spokesman in 1986 and said he coined the phrase "we’ll leave the light on for you" during an unscripted ad-lib. His voice became synonymous with the brand’s down-to-earth identity and was featured in both radio and TV campaigns for decades.

In addition to his advertising work, Bodett is known for his appearances on National Public Radio and for narrating several Ken Burns documentaries.

What's next:

The lawsuit, Bodett et al v G6 Hospitality LLC et al, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It could set a notable precedent for voice usage and contract rights in long-term brand relationships, especially as companies change ownership.