Marvin Gaye’s Son Claims ‘Empire’ Was His Idea, Will Reportedly Sue
The family of Marvin Gaye is reportedly taking another legal strike against pop culture and today’s entertainment.
TMZ reports that Marvin Gaye III, the son of Marvin Gaye, is going to file a lawsuit targeting the hit Fox series, Empire, claiming that the idea was stolen from him.
‘Empire’ — Marvin Gaye’s Son Will Sue ‘Those Son’s of Riches!’ http://t.co/n6lmCR6lP5
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 9, 2015
Marvin’s lawyer opened up to TMZ to confirm the plans of filing a lawsuit against the show.
“We understand that three things can’t be hidden for long: the Sun, the Moon and the Truth!”
According to the report, the son of the legendary singer allegedly registered a treatment for a television series titled Those Sons of Riches, or Diamonds and Ballads, back in 2010.
The report further states that the treatment, which was registered with the Writers Guild of America, described a family that was in the music business. The show was essentially supposed to be a cross between Dynasty and The Sopranos.
Marvin Gaye III claims that the show was designed to be loosely based on his family, as well as the family of music mogul Berry Gordy. This is not the first time that the family of Marvin Gaye has taken copyright-related issues to the courtroom.
The family successfully won a lawsuit against singer Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams in reference to the hit song, “Blurred Lines.” According to the lawsuit, the Gaye family claimed that “Blurred Lines” copied the Marvin Gaye song, “Got to Give It Up,” and the judge agreed.
BBC News – Blurred Lines jury awards Marvin Gaye family $7m http://t.co/F9sO1VSgWn
— Stephen Richards (@Stephen91136409) August 6, 2015
Recently, the lawsuit made headlines again when a judge decided to add rapper T.I. to the lawsuit along with Robin and Pharrell. Even though the judge did uphold the ruling in favor of the Gaye family, the reward amount was lowered significantly.
Robin Thicke opened up about his reactions to the lawsuit and the court’s decision in an interview with the New York Times.
“I sure hope it comes out a different way for Pharrell and me, and also for the future of creativity. You know, there are friends of mine, other musicians, that have spoken out publicly about this, about the injustice of the decision. Adam Levine, John Legend, Stevie Wonder. Unfortunately, they’re not on the jury.”
While Robin and Pharrell prepare to appeal the court’s decision in regards to their song, Marvin Gaye III could very well be moving forward with a lawsuit against Fox, as well as Empire creators Danny Strong and Lee Daniels.
[Image Credit: Angela Weiss / Getty Images]
