Shonda Rhimes Calls Out ‘Bridgerton’ Inspired Musical For The ‘Blatant Taking Of Intellectual Property,’ Play Creators Sued By Netflix For Infringement 

Shonda Rhimes Calls Out ‘Bridgerton’ Inspired Musical For The ‘Blatant Taking Of Intellectual Property,’ Play Creators Sued By Netflix For Infringement 

Netflix is not playing any games when it comes to its content!

According to reports, the creative team responsible for an unofficial “Bridgerton” musical is being sued by Netflix for infringement.

The musical in question, “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert,” was first developed on social media by songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. However, their project became such a hit that they eventually landed in the No. 1 spot on iTunes U.S. pop charts and also won a Grammy this year in the category of best musical theater album.

Despite Netflix’s claims of making “repeated objections” against the project, the musical was recently performed for a sold-out venue in Washington, D.C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbpyd4ri5A0

According to the suit, “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert” misrepresented to audiences that it used the “Bridgerton” trademark “with permission.” The streaming giant is also against the musical’s merchandise that’s expected to be sold at upcoming tour dates.

In a released statement Netflix said,

“Netflix supports fan-generated content, but Barlow & Bear have taken this many steps further, seeking to create multiple revenue streams for themselves without formal permission to utilize the ‘Bridgerton’ IP.”

The statement continued,

“We’ve tried hard to work with Barlow & Bear, and they have refused to cooperate. The creators, cast, writers and crew have poured their hearts and souls into ‘Bridgerton’ and we’re taking action to protect their rights.”

Shonda Rhimes – the creator and executive producer of the Netflix series – recently spoke out against the musical and said,

“There is so much joy in seeing audiences fall in love with ‘Bridgerton’ and watching the creative ways they express their fandom. What started as a fun celebration by Barlow & Bear on social media has turned into the blatant taking of intellectual property solely for Barlow & Bear’s financial benefit.”

She continued,

“This property was created by Julia Quinn and brought to life on screen through the hard work of countless individuals. Just as Barlow & Bear would not allow others to appropriate their IP for profit, Netflix cannot stand by and allow Barlow & Bear to do the same with ‘Bridgerton.’”

According to reports, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear have yet to speak on the lawsuit.

Shonda Rhimes

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us in the comments below!

[VIA]