They make fun of celebrities all the time when the actor's probally did not give their consent that the show could use there name
2007-03-17 18:13:13 · 15 answers · asked by llgii i 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
It would mostly be a waste of time and money. You can't keep someone from talking about you, as long as it is not slanderous. Shows can use bits of other shows and movies in artistic use. Besides, the shows are extremely popular. They are getting free publicity, and to sue them would turn off thousands of their fans.
2007-03-17 18:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by Brian G 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, a celebrity has just sued Family Guy!!
Comedian Carol Burnett has filed a copyright infringement suit against the makers of Fox TV's cartoon sitcom "Family Guy" over an episode poking fun at the performer and her variety show from the 1960s and '70s.
But i think this is the first sue Family Guy etc gets.
Maybe most celebrities dont want to show to the people that they cant take jokes. Therefore, they just keep quiet and suffer in silence.
2007-03-18 02:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely because they would have no case. While they may hate being made fun of on these shows, a person or company can make fun of things as long the general public can comprehend that it is a joke (or NOT TRUE) So if a show depicts Michael Jackson turning into a giant man eating robot, its okay, because we know it cant really happen. The tabloids however portray their stories as news, implying fact. No one has to get your consent to make fun of you, and if you are in a public place no one has to have your consent to publish and sell your picture. Also you cant sue someone for reporting things that are true (slander, libel) so if the STAR wants to put out an article that Roseanne Barr has a secret child that she gave up for adoption and it is TRUE, then Roseanne has no recourse. It is embarrassing but that is irrelevant. Okay. I'll quit now :)
2007-03-18 01:30:29 · answer #3 · answered by lscrighton 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes they do, for example Carol Burnet is suing the family guy, but part of being a celebrity is putting yourself out there and you might be surprised how many celebs give the nod to allowing some "teasing". And in those cases when they don't even shows like Southpark and the Family Guy have rooms full of Lawyers to let them know what they can get away with!!!!
2007-03-18 01:20:28 · answer #4 · answered by Kurt J 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Under copyright laws, you can create a parody of anything you'd like without the author's consent. However, it has to be an obvious parody, and not just a stolen bit. Though it is legal, it is still generally a good idea to ask the author's permission anyway, to stay on the person's good side; at least that's what Weird Al always does, i hear.
2007-03-18 01:24:34 · answer #5 · answered by L.E. 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know what? Carol Burnett has just sued South Park for making fun of her old variety show!!!! So I guess if they felt really offended or didn't have a good sense of humor they very well could sue!
2007-03-18 01:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by Elle3 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Within certain limits, references and images of 'public figures' - including derogatory caricatures - falls within the bounds of 'fair use.' It is extremely difficult to sue for defamation, especially when the portrayal is clearly intended to be a caricature and not to be taken seriously. Trying to sue for such events isn't just expensive; it also tends to make the plaintiff look petty and stupid.
2007-03-18 01:21:27 · answer #7 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Carol Burnett is suing Family Guy for copywrite infringement using her charwoman character without permission.
2007-03-18 02:36:41 · answer #8 · answered by Richard M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some do..Carol Burnett just sued Family Guy
2007-03-18 01:20:27 · answer #9 · answered by terri d 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it is comedy. You are allowed to use someone's name if it is for comedic purposes. MAD Magazine got sued and the celebrity didn't realize this and lost the case.
2007-03-18 01:23:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋