In a statement, Spears' lawyer Michael Friedman said Skechers' suit is a "ludicrous attempt to distract the court and the general public from the real issue". "Skechers failed to meet their contractual financial obligations to Ms Spears," Friedman said. Spears signed a three-year worldwide licensing agreement with Skechers in January 2002. According to Spears' lawsuit, the company failed to find outside businesses to manufacture accessories for her line while using the singer's presence in advertisements to increase sales of its own similar skate products. - AP