Hasselbeck Accused of No Original Thoughts

Elisabeth Hasselbeck ripped off a woman by plagiarizing her disease material -- so claims Susan Hassett, who fired off a letter to "The View" host just before suing her.

Elisabteh Hasselbeck Click to view docs

We obtained the letter -- in which Susan claims she sent Elisabeth a book called "Living with Celiac Disease" back in April of '08. Thirteen months later, Susan says Hasselbeck published the same book with a new title: "The G Free Diet-A Gluten Free Survival Guide." Yes, the title sucks.

Susan compares chapters and lines. Here are some highlights.

Susan's Book Chapter 1: What is Celiac Disease?
Hasselbeck Chapter 2: What is Celiac Disease?

Susan's tips: "Shop in the outer isles of the supermarket."
Hasselbeck's tips: "Food in the outer isles of the supermarket."

And the comparisons go on and on.

Susan just sued Elisabeth for copyright infringement and plagiarism.

UPDATE: We've just obtained a statement from Elisabeth's people: "Neither Center Street nor Elisabeth Hasselbeck has been served with the Complain in this action. However, there is no basis for the allegations in the Complaint as published in the press. Ms. Hasselbeck worked diligently and tirelessly on her book and is disappointed in this attempt to discredit her work and her ability to bring this important message to the public."

Tags: book, elisabeth, hasselbeck, living with celiac disease, LivingWithCeliacDisease, plagiarism, susan hassett, SusanHassett

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(Page 5 of 9) Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. 1:55 Betty Boop

I agree, the similarities are pretty surprising. Two people came up with the Rome wasn't built in a day analogy? The structure and wording similarities outlined in the letter, etc. seem to be too similar for them to be independently written. Even the chapter titles, You guys need to read the list of similarities. What's even more surprising is this lady notified ABC via the blog, and her posts were quickly deleted. So ABC is aware? And ABC tried to hide it? Something is off. This lady did not initially try to do gain anything from Hasselbeck. It looks like she sent Hasselbeck the book, likely hoping it would get promoted. Instead, a book worded surprisingly the same is published thirteen months later?

Posted at 2:21PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Anon

62. Careful Desperate even for Harvey,

The TMZ Nazi mods usually frown upon posters that post factual information. Liberals don't like hearing the facts about themselves :)

Posted at 3:55PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by flaming limbo

63. She didn't steal anything and all of you left wingers can go to hell!!! Get rid of Joy Behaer, she's the BITCH!!!!!!

Posted at 2:54PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by tired of the hype

64. Although many are claiming that the two lines given to us to compare are general info how can anyone not see that less than a year after being given a book on this disorder Hasslewreck suddenly writes her own version of the same book. It may not be found to legally be plagiarism but it sure does make Elizabeth look like a lazy opportunist, taking something that's already been laid out and just switching stuff around a bit, slapping her name on it and hoping to make a buck. Elizabeth is just another grand standing conservative republican hypocrite who love to let others know what is right and wrong while doing whatever she wants with no regard for anyone else.

Posted at 2:56PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Hmmm

65. TMZ needs to learn the difference between supermarket aisles and isles that you lounge around on in the ocean....duh

Posted at 3:02PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by jengarcia34

66. 'm with tony714p on this one. If Elizabeth did forge, then she deserves to get sued. Her opinions do not make a difference.
I'm a liberal and this intolerance amongst fellow libs over people that have different beliefs is hypocritical. If you don't like Hasselback, press the mute button on your remote.

Posted at 3:22PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Hepziba

67. AMAZING!!!!! Two different books...............One disease.................Similar findings.............Who woulda thunk it?
Idiots.....

Posted at 3:25PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Kelly J.

68. Why are people turning this into a Republican vs Liberal argument? Where does this constant drive for divisiveness come from? What the hell does Obama have to do with this issue, and Hasselbeck's lack of intellect? I have no problem at all with there being a conservative voice on "The View." In fact, I think it would make for a much more interesting show if the panel was more balanced.

Posted at 3:55PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by renheff

69. I sooooo hope this lady gets justice....since Elizabeth has chosen to be sooooo intelligent....the truth finally comes out....she is a FRAUD!!! I can't wait for her to go on maternity leave...I think Barbara should give her the boot.....she brings the View to a lower level, which is disrespecting to all of us!!!!!!!

Posted at 4:12PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Connie De Los Reyes

70. Its about time someone came after her for not having her own thoughts Shes been doing It on the View for years. Don't like her She thinks she all high and mighty and thinks she knows It all. I am sure the View will back her up Something they never did for Rosie.

Posted at 5:03PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Sandy

71. PLEASE make TMZ (and ABC, etc.) a Hassel-FREE Zone!!!

Posted at 4:17PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by melissa b

72. I think it's pretty sad for all the PROTECTORS of Elisabeth.....obviously all of you have not heard her RANT AND RAVE.....she should of been a PROFESSOR since she BELIEVES she knows it all.....and it's true we ALL have our own opinions.....the sad part is Elisabeth feels HER OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE THAT COUNTS......people really need to watch THE VIEW before you defend her......she is quite a CHARACTER FOR TV!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 4:19PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by Connie De Los Reyes

73. Elisabeth is a moron, and a cheat it turns out as well! I get so tired of her - she wants to play tough but then cries and whines when challenged. She's a bad example for women everywhere.

Posted at 4:31PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by jen

74. I am a celiac and must say that the book was a huge disappointment. Like someone else mentioned, you can find this basic information at celiac.com which is an excellent site for those with the disease. Don't dislike her but she should have had more original material and at least related how it is for someone to really live with the disease.

Posted at 6:26AM on Jun 24th 2009 by MaggieRedwing

75. Between having kids and doing the show I was wondering myself how Liz could have the time to write a book. I was thinking maybe her boyfriend Sean Hannity helped her. But I guess I was wrong. It truly does not surprise me that she copied someone else's. Republicans never have a new or fresh idea of their own. Hopefully Whoopie will start a show of HotTopics on this issue. Hey Elizabeth, Whats it like having the morals of a gutter slug?

Posted at 4:42PM on Jun 23rd 2009 by sumo

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