Celebrity Justice
Carol Burnett Sues Over "Family Guy" Gag

Posted Mar 16th 2007 2:25PM by TMZ Staff

Peter Griffen, Carol BurnettComedian 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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Filed under: Celebrity Justice


Tags: carol burnett, CarolBurnett, family guy, FamilyGuy, fox

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(Page 4 of 12)Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

46. Carol Burnett created the world that allows shows like family guy to exist....the woman did no less than help create the world of television, she was a pioneer. She was such a talent she literally gave people a reason to own a TV.
Family Guy creates nothing, they are leech off an exisiting medium, trying to build off the Simpson's success with animation...and can't get a laugh without someone farting. I love comedy, its the first place I look on Netflix...Family Guy may be good for an occassional chuckle.....but Carol Burnett could make you hurt yourself....she commands respect, and is 100% in the right....legally and ethically.

Posted at 3:32PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Michael

47. I am a stupid moron who loves to thrust his narrow viewpoint down everyone's throats.

And then I will pout and have a sissy fit (oops! I mean, "a hissy fit") if someone disagrees with me.

After all, I am under the impression that my opinions are better and more valuable than anyone else's.

So don't mind me. Obviously, I am a cocky jerk!

Posted at 3:32PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Rob

48. OMG Get over yourselves celebs.
It's no big deal. It's comedy. All the "has beens" just want to sue cause they're either running out of money or need the publicity. Sue for the right reasons, not for the small insignif things. Once the skit is over, we won't remember it the next day. And if we do, think positive. "hey people still remember me".
Enough with the bitching, whining, moaning, whatever.

Posted at 3:33PM on Mar 16th 2007 by chelle

49. Don't mess with Carol Burnett. Get 'em girl! They did not have permission so they should have respected that.

Posted at 3:33PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Douglas

50. Thanks, Karen. You posted your comments while I was typing mine, apparently.

Great minds think alike, huh? LOL

Posted at 3:34PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Texas Viewer

51. I can't believe how mean some of you people are to each other.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. The big joke in here is
how personally some of you attack others that you don't even know.
What joy does it bring to you attack another's opinions and
postings?! It is possible to love both The Family Guy and Carol
Burnett without resorting to attacking each other with
pettiness, isn't it?

PS.

Posted at 3:35PM on Mar 16th 2007 by HiJinxxx

52. what took her so long to sue? that episode was out AT LEAST 2YRS AGO! but she should be glad she's being parodied. it's free PR!

Posted at 3:35PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Devynn

53. “I have noticed an increasing lack of civility on all these posts. Also evident is the inability to make a comment without using profanity, particularly the f--- word. Are we so inarticulate a society that we can't think of any other word to describe how we feel? And, as I am sure someone will let me know right away that I don't have to go on this post site, let me assure that I won't do it again. I thought there were standards but obviously there are none. What are people being taught in English and Grammar classes these days? It seems that vocabulary is not being taught at all. As for not knowing who Carol Burnett is, it is your loss because she is one of the funniest comediannes ever. And the people who need to grow up are the people who can't make a sentence without smut being in it.”


It must be nice up there on your pedestal, Ms. Dudley. TMZ is not known for its hard-hitting, insightful, educational journalism; therefore it does not always attract readers and commentators with “civility.” Perhaps you should take your severely outdated argument to a more constructive place. And on the topic of grammar, you should probably take a lesson yourself since you incorrectly spelled comediennes.

Posted at 3:36PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Justin

54. I can't believe how mean some of you people are to each other.Everyone
is entitled to their own opinions. The big joke in here ishow
personally some of you attack others that you don't even know. What
joy does it bring to you attack another's opinions and postings?! It
is possible to love both The Family Guy and Carol Burnett without
resorting to attacking each other personally and resorting to such pettiness, isn't it?

Posted at 3:39PM on Mar 16th 2007 by HiJinxxx

55. OMG get over it its all part of ur business! It should be a given that a celebrity will be spoofed!!! Duh you did it urself!

Posted at 3:41PM on Mar 16th 2007 by jo

56. Oh and by the way, be sure not to make a typo or accidently spell something incorrectly or they may start attacking that too if there isn't anything else to disagree with you on.

Posted at 3:43PM on Mar 16th 2007 by HiJinxxx

57. I agree with the people who said she needs to lighten up and realize a joke when she sees one. What a washed-up wrinkly old hag-bitch.

And to those who think Family Guy is so crude, you're right!! Hahaha that's the best part of the show, you ignorant, close-minded facsists.

Posted at 3:44PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Family Guy Fan

58. Oh and HiJinxxx go hug a tree or something you free lovin' hippie or take your shit to Oprah.

Posted at 3:45PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Family Guy Fan

59. Carol reminds me of, you guessed it, Rosie O'Donnell. Something not so nice about them both. Off camera actions and statements and general demeanor says alot. This silly lawsuit reflects plenty on Carol. She should shout hosanna that anyone even remembers her. No class.

Posted at 3:46PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Sean Bresnahan

60. What stands for comedy today is vulgar and crude. To understand what true comedy is, the young people of today should see episodes of the Carol Burnett show, I Love Lucy, The Red Skelton Show, Bob Hope, etc. True Classics and real comedy at its finest. You go Carol.!!

Posted at 3:49PM on Mar 16th 2007 by marilyn

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