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Viacom Sues Nick Cannon and Zeus Network Over ‘Bad Vs. Wild’
Nick Cannon is known for creating and hosting MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out,”.
Viacom has filed a lawsuit alleging that Cannon’s new show, “Bad Vs. Wild,” produced for the Zeus Network, is a blatant replica of “Wild ‘N Out.”
This legal confrontation raises significant questions about intellectual property rights, contractual obligations, and the complexities of content creation in the entertainment industry.
“Wild ‘N Out,” which debuted in 2005, is a pioneering improv rap battle show that blends celebrity appearances with freestyle rap battles, reminiscent of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
The show has enjoyed immense popularity, spanning two decades and 21 seasons. Its unique format and cultural impact have solidified its place in entertainment history.
Source: Courtesy of / Zeus Network
In 2024, Cannon expanded his creative ventures by launching “Bad Vs. Wild” on the subscription-based streaming platform Zeus Network.
This new show features a predominantly female cast engaging in challenges and showdowns, filmed in front of a live studio audience in Las Vegas.
The program aims to settle pre-existing rivalries through over-the-top competitions, culminating in performances by popular musical artists.
Viacom’s lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, contends that “Bad Vs. Wild” unlawfully copies key elements of “Wild ‘N Out,” constituting intellectual property infringement.
The suit asserts that Zeus Network intentionally induced Cannon to breach his contract with Viacom by enlisting him as the host of “Bad Vs. Wild,” fully aware of the similarities between the two shows.
Viacom argues that this has led to confusion among audiences and potential financial and repetitional harm to their brand.
Source: Courtesy / VH1
Central to Viacom’s claim is the assertion that Cannon’s contract for “Wild ‘N Out” includes clauses preventing him from engaging in activities that could “tarnish” his image as the show’s host or repurpose any characters or materials from the series in other projects.
By producing and hosting “Bad Vs. Wild,” Viacom alleges that Cannon has violated these contractual terms. I
nterestingly, instead of suing Cannon directly, Viacom is targeting Zeus Network, accusing them of “intentional interference” with Cannon’s contractual obligations.
The lawsuit seeks to halt further production and distribution of “Bad Vs. Wild” and demands unspecified damages.
As of now, neither Cannon nor representatives from Zeus Network have publicly responded to the allegations.
@imnotalawyerbut Viacom has filed a lawsuit claiming that Nick Cannon’s new show — ‘Bad vs. Wild’ — is a “flagrant” copycat of ‘Wild ’N Out.’ Viacom (parent company and owner of MTV) claims Bad vs. Wild “goes far beyond mere imitation” and instead steals “each and every” element of ‘Wild ’N Out”. They also claim that Zeus induced Nick to breach his contract in order to be host of the new show. Viacom wants production on the show stopped, the show pulled from streaming, and any revenue made from the show turned over to them.
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