Hollywood, CA - In a stunning victory for molested gerbils across the nation, Judge Victor Mahon ruled in favor of Snuggles, the unfortunate gerbil who was trapped in Richard Gere's rectum for more than 14 hours. Mr. Gere will be forced to pay $3.2 million in medical expenses and mental anguish.

"This is a triumphant day for gerbils around the world," said John Malcolm, head attorney for the Snuggles' team. "No longer will gerbils live in fear of being forced to pleasure their owners. It is only a matter of time before the gerbil craze dies out and people go back to the safety of butt plugs."

actor Richard Gere awaits Mahon's Decision

The highly controversial case has been the playtoy of national publication for months. The proceedings and court drama fueled the tabloids' frenzy from Access Hollywood to the National Enquirer. The back and forth mud-slinging between Gere and Snuggles escalated into a life of its own.

On the flip side, Mr. Gere claims the gerbil had gone on a two hour cocaine binge just prior to his 14-hour ordeal inside Mr. Gere's poop shoot. "Poor Snuggles never knew when to say no", Gere explained. "I am innocent of the charges. I did not assault the hamster who is accusing me. I made the mistake of adultery. I have to answer to my wife, to my God, and most of all, to Mrs. Snuggles for my actions that night and I pray that will all forgive me."

"This is just another case of a rodent exploiting a celebrity's good will," Exclaimed Louis Fenster, Gere's attorney and cheif publicist. "Richard took that damn gerbil into his home and into his ... (pause) ... er... um ... heart! Shoving a glass tube up one's ass so a gerbil may prance and ... er ... claw... (pause)... is the kind of love that can only happen between a man and his rodent."

While Fenster is sure to appeal the ruling, gerbils have already been crying victory, and new accusations have been popping up all over Hollywood. "Snuggles' has been an inspiration to all of us," said Malcolm. "We have come to realize that anyone can travel through a glass tube, get stuck in an ass crack, hang out in the colon and rectum, reek of rotten fruit and meat for two straight months and still come out clean on the other side."