A huge controversy has erupted in recent times with Viacom accusing Nick Cannon and Zeus Network of plagiarizing ‘Wild ‘N Out’ with ‘Bad vs. Wild’. Viacom has also accused both entities of violating copyrights.
Viacom International Inc. has instituted a lawsuit accusing Nick Cannon of assisting Zeus Network in plagiarizing his long-running MTV series, ‘Wild ‘N Out.’
As per media house AllHipHop, the lawsuit details how Zeus’s ‘Bad vs. Wild’ is not merely similar to ‘Wild ‘N Out’ but is a carbon copy of the show and to buttress this claim it alleges that the show depicts the same set of blueprints, layout, and even Cannon as the host.
Viacom Sues Nick Cannon & Zeus Network
George W. Kroup, the attorney representing Viacom contended that Zeus willfully plagiarized key components of ‘Wild ‘N Out’ and used it to create ‘Bad vs. Wild’. This act was fructified with the full realization that it is infringing Viacom’s copyrights. The lawsuit also indicts Cannon for its actions which contravened his contract with Viacom which forbids him from being involved in competing or imitative projects.
The lawsuit also details how ‘Bad vs. Wild copied significant components of ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ which includes live spectators’ contributions, personality guest appearances, DJ-driven scoring, and championship prizes. The lawsuit also accuses Zeus of marketing a more intense version of ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ and promoting it with punchlines like “Wild ‘N Out on steroids.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the plagiarized ‘Bad vs. Wild’ content blemished the reputation of ‘Wild ‘N Out’ by incorporating detrimental and distasteful elements. It alleged that the show glorified racial and gender typecast, explicit material, and glorified violence. The lawsuit added that the clone of ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ has transformed the lighthearted humour that defines the original show into something totally opposite and obnoxious.
The lawsuit also demanded a permanent restriction to halt the production and distribution of ‘Bad vs. Wild’. It also seeks permanent financial damages and a return of profits accrued from the show.