Federal judge tosses Bob Vila public relations lawsuit

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — A Chicago federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that television home renovation expert Bob Vila filed against an Illinois public relations specialist.

Vila sued Robert Smith of Loves Park, saying Smith falsely claimed to represent him to sell celebrity endorsement rights to Midwest home improvement shows. 

Vila sought $2 million in damages.

The Rockford Register Star reports that U.S. District Judge John W. Darrah dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning Vila can refile later.

The 69-year-old Vila of Palm Beach, Florida, is best known as the host of “This Old House,” ‘’Bob Vila’s Home Again” and “Restore America with Bob Vila.”