Living

Lawsuit claims 'S-Town' podcast exploited life of clock restorer John B. McLemore

WOODSTOCK, Ala. — The estate of the man at the center of the popular "S-Town" podcast is suing the show's creators, saying they exploited details of his private life for financial gain.

Craig Cargile, the executor of John B. McLemore's estate, filed the lawsuit Thursday in Bibb County, Alabama.

"S-Town" tells the story of McLemore, an antique clock restorer from Alabama.

The lawsuit contends McLemore didn't give permission to broadcast the intimate details of his sexual orientation, mental state and other aspects of his life.

S-Town executive producer Julie Snyder said Saturday that the lawsuit "lacks merit" and the podcast was produced "with the highest journalistic standards."

McLemore in 2012 sent an email to producers asking for help in a murder investigation. The 2017 podcast focused on McLemore, who killed himself in 2015.