Fox’s crime series “Bones” has become the subject of a genuine-life legal case.“Bones” executive producer Barry Josephson has slapped Fox Broadcasting Company and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation with a breach of contract lawsuit,claiming he’s been bilked out of compensation for the long-running series.
The suit, filed by Josephson’s Wark Entertainment in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, and claims that Fox has engaged in “unrelenting efforts to deprive Barry Josephson — the executive producer of Fox’s highly rated and longest running one-hour drama ‘Bones’ … of his contractual entitlement to share in the profits of the Series.”
Also Read: Rosie O'Donnell's Lawyers Blast Ex-'View' Producer's 'Inflammatory and faulty' LawsuitThe suit goes on to assert that Fox has reaped “hundreds of millions of dollars” from the series,short-changing Josephson in the process.
Josephson conducted an expensive audit of Fox’s books, according to the suit, or uncovered “tens of millions in claims against Fox,” which the company then rejected and later offered “a negligible sum on only one claim in the audit report.”Fox had no comment for TheWrap on the lawsuit.
According to the complaint, Fox executives Gary Newman and Dana Walden also threatened to cancel “Bones” whether Josephson didnt accept lower licensing fees for Seasons 5 and 6 of the series.
Also Read: 'Top Gear' Producer Files Lawsuit Against Jeremy Clarkson, or BBCThe complaint alleges numerous irregularities,including under-reporting foreign license fees to the tune of nearly $20 million, and mis-classifying about $8 million in electronic sell-through receipts as home video receipts.
Alleging breach of contract, and fraudulent inducement and other claims,the suit seeks unspecified damages.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
Source: thewrap.com