NYC Radio: Host Maurice "The Love Zone'" Watts Sues Amazon

Maurice Watts

Maurice "The Voice" Watts, a veteran New York City radio personality known for his long-running R&B and love songs program The Love Zone, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com Inc. in Manhattan federal court. 

The suit accuses the tech giant and its Prime Video streaming service of infringing on his trademark and publicity rights by featuring a fictional radio show called "Love Zone" in the crime thriller series Cross, starring Aldis Hodge as forensic psychologist Alex Cross. 

Watts claims the depiction—broadcast without his permission—has confused listeners and diluted his brand, which he's built over 25 years on stations like WBLS and WWPR.

Watts' complaint details how Cross, which premiered on Prime Video in September 2025 and quickly climbed streaming charts with its adaptation of James Patterson's bestselling novels, prominently features a fictional Harlem-based radio station "WFLZ" airing a late-night "Love Zone" segment. 

In one key episode, the host (voiced by an uncredited actor) spins soulful tracks like classic cuts from The Isley Brothers and Anita Baker—mirroring Watts' real-life format—while tying into the plot's themes of romance and urban intrigue. 

Watts argues this creates "consumer confusion," as fans of his show (which airs weekends on SiriusXM's Heart & Soul channel) have flooded his social media with questions about his involvement, assuming it's a paid cameo or endorsement.

The suit seeks unspecified damages for trademark dilution under the Lanham Act, invasion of privacy, and misappropriation of likeness.