Tom Bodett, the longtime spokesman for Motel 6, has filed a federal lawsuit in New York against the budget hotel chain and its parent company, G6 Hospitality. This lawsuit represents a significant shift in the nearly 40-year partnership between Bodett and Motel 6, as he alleges breach of contract and unauthorized use of his voice and name in advertising after their collaboration ended.
Bodett, whose warm and unpretentious delivery has defined Motel 6’s identity for decades, became synonymous with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” This iconic line was ad-libbed by Bodett in 1986 when the Richards Group advertising agency first brought him on board. At that time, he was living in Alaska, contributing essays to NPR while also working as a carpenter. His folksy voice and down-to-earth tone resonated deeply with Motel 6’s working-class audience, making him a staple of American broadcasts.
According to the lawsuit, Motel 6’s new owners—following the acquisition by the India-based hospitality group OYO—failed to make a scheduled $1.2 million annual payment in January 2025, which is part of a longstanding contract with Bodett. The complaint further claims that even after Bodett formally ended the agreement in early 2025, Motel 6 continued to use his voice and name in recorded phone messages and advertising materials. Bodett argues that this constitutes a violation of trademark law and his right of publicity, especially since his likeness and signature phrase were used without his permission or compensation.
Bodett also asserts that his attempts to resolve the issue privately were met with delays and evasive responses. His legal team indicates that repeated efforts to settle the matter amicably were met with resistance, prompting him to pursue litigation. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York under the case name Bodett et al. v. G6 Hospitality LLC et al., seeks payment of the $1.2 million owed, along with additional damages and a share of any profits linked to the continued use of his persona.
Beyond his work in advertising, Bodett has built a diverse and respected career. He has authored several books and is a familiar voice to public radio audiences. His commentary has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, and he has frequently been a panelist on the quiz show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! His distinctive narration has also been featured in multiple Ken Burns documentaries, where his understated delivery brought historical subjects to life for national audiences. In Vermont, where he currently resides, Bodett co-founded HatchSpace, a nonprofit woodworking studio, reflecting his ongoing interest in craftsmanship and community service.
G6 Hospitality has responded to the lawsuit by acknowledging Bodett’s significant contributions to the brand. They stated that they are reviewing the claims and hope to resolve the matter respectfully. The case raises broader questions about the rights of voice actors, the longevity of advertising icons, and how brands manage legacy partnerships during corporate transitions.
What began as an off-the-cuff remark from a carpenter-turned-writer has become one of the most enduring catchphrases in advertising history. Now, the man who helped build that legacy is fighting to protect the value of his voice and his role in American pop culture.
