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Comedian Carol Burnett is suing the FOX comedy "Family Guy" for using one of Burnett's signature characters and an altered version of her theme music without permission.
In a lawsuit filed in federal court yesterday, Burnett alleges that FOX requested permission to use "Carol's Theme" -- the theme music from "The Carol Burnett Show" -- in an episode of "Family Guy." When permission was denied, the lawsuit claims that FOX then went back and had the show rewritten to "disparage Ms. Burnett using Ms. Burnett's signature ear tug."
In the episode titled "Peterotica," the main character on "Family Guy," Peter, goes into a porn shop and remarks how clean it is. One of his friends says it is clean because "Carol Burnett works part-time as a janitor." The lawsuit says the camera then cuts to one of Burnett's signature characters from her TV show -- "Charwoman" -- wearing her "trademarked blue bonnet, bucket and mop" and "a slightly altered version of 'Carol's Theme' is playing."
Later in the scene, one character makes fun of Burnett's signature ear tug by saying, "She was really saying goodnight to her mom." To which another replies, "I wonder what she tugged to say goodnight to her dad." In fact, Burnett's ear tug was actually a hello to her grandmother.
Burnett claims this was all done without her permission or consent and is seeking in excess of $6 million in damages.
A statement from FOX reads: "'Family Guy,' like the 'Carol Burnett Show,' is famous for its pop culture parodies and satirical jabs at celebrities. 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."
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Don't mess with Carol Burnett! Have some respect, she is sacred!
Carol Burnett made a career out of making fun of others ?????????
Really ???????????
Like who ??????
She made up fictitious characters as far as i remember growing up, and really enjoyed her humour, instead of all the trash, YES TRASH there is on tv nowadays.
Too bad the "variety" show has died. Some do miss it you know.
Go Carol!
Family Guy is the hugest disappointment on TV. LOOKS funny. SOUNDS funny. SHOULD BE funny.
It just ISN'T FUNNY.
She needs to grow up!! its just a joke!! Funny!! What is wrong with a little humor?
Oh my god your old grow up cause that show kicks ass and to tell you the truth I didn't even realize they copied her so who cares!!!!
She should kiss the writer's ass for even trying to pay an homage to her. Ungrateful moron.
She really needs to lighten up. If everyone was as unnecessarily sensitive as Carol Burnett seems to be, Family Guy would be completely bankrupt. Take it as a compliment, Carol. You're famous enough to be made fun of. Being parodied comes with being a celebrity; you know what you're getting into.
Hey #7 if something looks and sounds funny that usually means it is funny?? what do you have your head stuck up your ass? you make no sense!!
Carol Burnett sues everyone. She thinks she's something, but in reality she's just a two-bit comedienne.
Oh mannnnnn! Carol seems to have lost it. Flattery is a compliment. I agree with Lady Hadenough. Ungrateful moron.
Dang...............................................I would have thought Carol would have brushed this off.
Carol Burnett was a true comedienne. Not like these freaks today. If they were denied permission and used it anyway, they deserved to be sued. Period. People sue for less.
