Iconic ’leave the light on’ spokesman sues Motel 6 for shocking reason

There aren't many commercial voices you can hear and immediately recognize.

When you hear Dennis Haysbert's baritone voice say offscreen, "You're in good hands," it lets you know you're watching an Allstate Insurance commercial before the logo shows up at the end. 

Related: Tesla's biggest rival slashes prices but faces major pushback

Speaking of baritone, the late, great James Earl Jones wasn't just the voice of Mufasa and Darth Vader; he was also the voice of Allstate Insurance, along with CNN and Verizon. 

Other voices you might know from movies and television, but you'd never guess they're spokesvoices for your favorite consumer brands. 

For example, you probably don't recognize the voice telling you to stuff your fries in a McDonald's Quarter Pounder before stuffing the burger in your face as Brian Cox from "Succession." Still, it's hard to disobey his trademark delivery. 

Tom Bodett is one of the few commercial voice actors whose voice you can immediately match to his name. But a new lawsuit alleges he hasn't been compensated fairly.

Tom Bodett sues Motel 6 over 'we'll leave the lights on' commercials

This week, Tom Bodett, the legendary voice behind Motel 6 and its "We'll leave the light on for you" radio and television advertising campaign, sued the company for using his name and voice without his permission. 

Bodett says he cut ties with Motel 6 after the company missed a $1.2 million annual payment due on January 7, per their contract.

Despite the breakup, the 70-year-old Bodett says Motel 6 and its new owner, India-based OYO, have been using the spots anyway, violating rights protected by federal trademark law. 

He says he's tried negotiating a confidential settlement that would recognize his role in helping build the company over the past 40 years, but the company has responded with "misrepresentations, obfuscations, and delay tactics."

Motel 6 told Reuters, "We appreciate Mr. Bodett's contributions over the past years. Of course, we will continue to advertise, keeping the lights on for you."

But the company's statement to TheStreet showed more promise in a resolution being reached.

"We appreciate Mr. Bodett's contributions over the past years. We are reviewing the claims. These demands are partly from tenure of previous owners of G6 Hospitality. However, given G6 Hospitality's long association with him, we are trying to engage with both Mr Bodett and the sellers of the asset.

We hope to resolve this matter respectfully and amicably even if needed to support from our balance sheet. We are surprised that he has chosen to litigate despite that we sought engagements and attention for potential resolution. Irrespective, we will be continuing our dialogue with them to find a viable solution. Of course, we will continue to advertise keeping the lights on for you in times to come."

Tom Bodett struck a chord with fans of his voice

Bodett, who started doing Motel 6 commercials in 1986, says he coined his iconic catch phrase as an ad lib.

"The brand's advertising campaign, featuring on-air personality Tom Bodett, began in 1986 and proved an instant success for Motel 6, turning the chain into a household name and winning industry awards," states the Motel 6 website. "The campaign has won more advertising awards than any other brand in the lodging industry, which is understandable, given that Motel 6 has the highest advertising recognition factor in the economy lodging category." 

Bodett's lawsuit seeks the annual payment, additional unspecified damages, and a share of profits.

Some social media netizens backed him online June 10. 

"Tom Bodett, decades-long spokesman for Motel 6's success, is now suing the new ownership. They stopped paying him. They kept using his name and voice. He didn't want to work for them if they didn't want him anymore. But they kept delaying the negotiations. PAY THE MAN!" one user said.