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TMZ allowed to repost portion of Verne Troyer's sex tape

The Associated Press

1:10 PM EDT, July 2, 2008

LOS ANGELES - The woman in a sex tape featuring Verne Troyer -- best known for his role in the "Austin Powers" movies -- says she allowed celebrity Web site TMZ to broadcast snippets of the tape.

Troyer's ex-girlfriend, Ranae Shrider, signed a declaration filed in federal court in Los Angeles stating the tape was created with her video camera. Her statement prompted a judge to allow TMZ to reinstate a post featuring snippets of the tape.

The judge had temporarily barred TMZ from showing or broadcasting any portion of the tape on its Web site or TV show. The post was restored by Tuesday evening.

The judge has still barred a porn distributor named in a $20 million lawsuit filed by Troyer from distributing or taking orders for the 50-minute tape.

Troyer starred as Mini Me in two "Austin Powers" movies. His lawsuit alleged the tape was stolen. Shrider's statement says she believes she also owns the tape, but so far has only given permission to TMZ to air it.