Burnett vs. Griffin

Carol Burnett is suing the makers of Family Guy for alleged copyright infringement:

In an episode first aired last April, a quartet of "Family Guy" characters is seen entering a porn shop. When Peter, one of the comedy's lead characters, wonders if it will be dirty, another remarks that the business is clean because "Carol Burnett works part-time as a janitor." As seen in the above video clip, the animated female janitor appears modeled after the "Charwoman" character that the comedian created decades ago ("Charwoman," the complaint notes, is known for her trademark blue bonnet, and she always carries a mop and bucket). In the "Family Guy" episode, entitled "Peterotica," a "slightly altered version of Carol's Theme is playing" while the animated janitor is on screen, situated next to a bin of blow-up dolls. Additionally, Burnett takes issue with a "vulgar comment" made by one of the characters in relation to the star's trademark ear tug. The performer's lawsuit, which seeks in excess of $6 million in damages, also charges Fox with misappropriating her name and likeness and violating her publicity rights.

The appearance by "Burnett" was obviously a parody (and pretty tame, by Family Guy standards), so I don't think she has a case. Still, I'm looking forward to Ollie Williams's informative and entertaining reports on the case.

Damian P.

Posted by damian at March 18, 2007 05:13 PM