LOS ANGELES (AP) - The creator of "American Idol" has sued the
show's broadcaster and producer seeking a stake in a rival musical
competition show called "The X-Factor."
Simon Fuller's lawsuit filed Wednesday in Santa Monica, Calif.,
seeks an executive producer credit and the appropriate fees on
"X-Factor," which was created by former "Idol" judge Simon
Cowell.
Fuller's lawsuit is against Fox Broadcasting Co., which will air
both shows, and "Idol" production company Fremantlemedia North
America.
In a joint statement, Fox and Fremantle called Fuller's case
meritless and claim he has done nothing to justify either payment
or executive producer credit.
Fuller disagrees, stating the companies guaranteed him a stake
in "X-Factor" in a 2005 settlement that kept "X-Factor" from
airing in the United States until 2011. Both shows originated in
England.
