Family Guy v. Carol Burnett

Apparently, funny woman Carol Burnett doesn't appreciate humor as much when the joke is on her. The comedian, best known for "The Carol Burnett Show," which was famous for its parodies of pop culture and celebrities during the 1970s, found herself on the other end of a parody, on the animated television series, "Family Guy." Apparently she didn't think it was too funny.

Burnett filed a $6 million copyright infringement suit in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, alleging that the creators of the FOX cartoon show used an "altered version" of her television show's theme music, portrayed Burnett's janitor character - Charwoman, who then gives Burnett's famous ear tug.

According to the lawsuit, FOX had initially come to Burnett seeking permission, but when it was denied, the network - according to Burnett - rewrote the show to "disparage Ms. Burnett using Ms. Burnett's signature ear tug." In the episode, Peter (a character on the show), ventures into an adult store and remarks that it's very clean. He is told that it's because Carol Burnett works there.

At this point, Burnett is shown, wearing Charwoman's "trademarked blue bonnet, bucket and mop," and gives Burnett's ear tug, while a "slightly altered version of 'Carol's Theme' is playing."

FOX has responded to the suit with the release of a statement. In it, the network admitted surprise that Burnett would sue over the 18 second clip.

"'Family Guy,' like the 'Carol Burnett Show,' is famous for its pop culture parodies and satirical jabs at celebrities," said the statement. "We are surprised that Ms. Burnett, who has made a career of spoofing others on television, would go so far as to sue 'Family Guy' for a simple bit of comedy."

Burnett's lawsuit also cites FOX for violating her publicity rights and using her likeness without permission."

Sources:

www.tmz.com/2007/03/16/carol-burnett-sues-over-family-guy-gag/
www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6425684.html
www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0316072carolburnett1.html