The new E! show "Pop Fiction" sounds like a complete rip off of another pitch -- "Celebrities Strike Back." Oh, by the way -- it was pitched by Anna Nicole Smith more than three years ago and there could be a lawsuit.
"Pop Fiction," produced by Ashton Kutcher's Katalyst Television, debuted last night. It seems identical to a treatment obtained by TMZ that Anna Nicole registered with the Writers Guild in 2004. Now get this -- in 2004, Anna Nicole and Howard K. Stern met with Jeff Shore and Jay James, both programming execs for E!. They pitched the show and sent Shore the treatment.
We're also told Anna Nicole and Howard K. met with then E! Prez Ted Harbert in 2004 and also raised the show.
Ashton's show sounds like a carbon of Anna's treatment -- "...what happens if Anna Nicole Smith and other celebrities turn the tables and capitalize off of the overzealous media? What if the next big supposed scandal is not a scandal at all? What if everything is staged, but the media (and the public) don't know it?" It continues, Anna Nicole and other celebrity guests take aim at the media and push all the limits."
That's Ashton Kutcher's show and we're told Howard K. has already threatened suit. What is really pissing him off is that he and Anna had multiple meetings with E!. Two months ago, Stern spoke with E! again on behalf of the estate and the network seemed intrigued by making Larry Birkhead the celeb to do the first prank and then host the show. Ultimately Jay James said it just wouldn't work. Oh really?
UPDATE: A rep for E! tells us, "'Pop Fiction' is a program independently created and developed by Ashton Kutcher's company, Katalyst. 'Pop Fiction' is not based on any idea or concept that may have been pitched to E! by any other party."
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from PITTSBURGLIVE.COM &&&&&&
So after federal prosecutors finished presenting their public corruption case against Wecht, the defense did, too, without calling a single witness.
Wecht, the former Allegheny County coroner, declined to answer questions as he left the courtroom. McDevitt offered only a brief comment.
"What do you want me to say?" he said. "I look forward to closing."
Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday morning.
Prosecutors allege Wecht, 76, of Squirrel Hill used his public office for private gain, in part by having county employees work on his private cases while on county time. They say Wecht used county resources to benefit his private business, Cyril H. Wecht and Pathology Associates.
how can men walk in a store or restaurant and
pull money out of their pockets and pay for stuff
knowing that the people they are giving it to know
just how they got that money?
SHAMELESS, PITIFUL BUNCH.
dannielynn needs to read and learn about her other side of the family to learn the work ethic.
This show has an interesting concept but I was dissapointed when I actually went about seeing it, It was boring! On one prank alone they have 3 commercials & it just seems to go on forever & its not exciting because you know the papparazzos are gonna be duped so why drag it on so long?!
Isn't it interesting that this is the only comment on the new show? What about the fact that you guys had no clue that you were being dupped!!
hanger on Howard K Stern still trying to milk money and now using Larry to do it
THese sternies are mean people who have no feelings:
No. Sperm & Stern Inc. did . lol
YES E! SCREWED ANNA, BUT AFTER ALL IT WAS THEIR TURN!
you guys are just pissed you got owned. dont hate. it doesnt look good on you.
i was looking forward to the response to the show and how you guys were played for the celebrity's entertainment for once! i'm disappointed.....i would have at least expected some response! come on harvey...you know you want to say something!
