Ash Knotek/Snappers/ZUMAPress.comCall it a minibetrayal.
A Los Angeles judge has given TMZ permission to repost a snippet of a sex tape featuring Verne Troyer after his willing costar, former girlfriend Ranae Shrider, informed a federal court that she was the one who leaked the footage in the first place.
Shrider submitted a signed declaration admitting her X-rated romp with the Austin Powers henchman was shot using her digital video camera, therefore making her the owner. She also said that she gave the clip to TMZ to drum up interest while she shops the full 50-minute tape around town to the highest bidder. (According to TMZ, she's asking for a minimum of $25,000.)
The declaration was good enough for the judge, who had initially ordered TMZ to take down the clip, and the footage was back online Tuesday night.
However, a court order is still in effect barring a porn distributor from selling or disseminating the Mini-Me encounter—even if it's worth $1 billion.
Troyer filed a $20 million lawsuit last week seeking to block the release, alleging the tape was stolen from him. Now it looks like the actor, currently starring in The Love Guru, is going to have to fight Shrider for it.
Reps for Troyer and Shrider could not be reached for comment.