K&C Entertainment Exclusive (January 21, 2025)

MUSIC

• Drake has sued Universal Music Group NV for defamation in US federal court, accusing the company of putting his life in danger by releasing and promoting “Not Like Us” by his rival and labelmate Kendrick Lamar. Drake sues UMG Recordings, Inc. for defamation over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ | CNN
• A NV federal judge has declared that her court will decide if an allegedly “lackluster Michael Jackson impersonator show” running at a Las Vegas casino is infringing the name, image or likeness of the late King of Pop. Michael Jackson Estate’s Likeness Fight Stays In Vegas – Law360
• Miley Cyrus’ bid to kill a suit accusing her song “Flowers” of copying leans on a unique quirk in 9^th Circuit precedent that she argues limits who can bring copyright-infringement lawsuits. Miley Cyrus Tests Copyright Transfer Rules in ‘Flowers’ Lawsuit

FILM & TELEVISION

• The FCC rejected four controversial petitions targeting major news broadcasters, dispensing with the cases just days before Donald Trump reclaims the White House and installs a Republican majority on the commission. Outgoing FCC chair rejects high-profile TV petitions as attempt to set ‘dangerous precedent’ | CNN Business
• The Walt Disney Co.‘s release of box office juggernaut Moana 2 has added another front to its long-running copyright battle with an animator, who has filed suit in CA federal court alleging the second franchise installment continues to rip off his Polynesian adventure epic. Disney sued for allegedly copying the idea for Moana and its sequel | FOX 5 New York
• Filmmaker Night Shyamalan, Apple and other “Hollywood elite” stole from an indie director’s movie in order to make a TV show called Servant for Apple TV+, a CA federal jury heard during opening statements of an $81 million copyright infringement trial. M. Night Shyamalan Faces $81 Million Trial Over Apple TV’s ‘Servant’ Meanwhile, Servant’s creator testified that he didn’t steal the concept. ‘Absolutely Not’: Apple+ Show’s Creator Denies Stealing Idea – Law360
• A magistrate judge suggested a NY federal court should dismiss a copyright lawsuit against HBO over a YouTube video clip inserted in the 2019 miniseries Chernobyl. Suit Over HBO’s ‘Chernobyl’ Should Be Tossed, Judge Suggests (1)
• Universal Pictures shared the video-watching information of users of its Gruv.com DVD-distribution service with Meta Platforms Inc. without their consent in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act, a proposed federal class action said. Universal Pictures Sued Over Sharing of Viewing Info With Meta
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LAWSUITS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

• It Ends With Us director and actor Justin Baldoni lodged a $400 million defamation and extortion suit against his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming Lively fabricated sexual harassment claims against Baldoni to distract from her “self-inflicted press catastrophe.” Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 million, alleging Hollywood power couple sought to ‘destroy’ him | CNN
• Attorneys for a Houston property owner and the mother of rapper Takeoff told a judge that they had neared an agreement for the production of documents detailing the value of the rapper’s estate at the time of his death. Takeoff’s Estate Dispute Nears Resolution as Parties Discuss Financial Details – USA Herald