Harry Shearer Sues 'This Is Spinal Tap' Studio For Ripping Him Off
Harry Shearer 'This Is Spinal Tap' Studio's Been Ripping Me Off
"This Is Spinal Tap" star and co-creator Harry Shearer says he's been getting the short end of the stick for the legendary movie ... to the tune of $125 million.
Shearer's production company just filed suit against Vivendi -- which owns Universal Studios -- and handles accounting on all merchandise and music related to the 1984 mockumentary. According to docs, Vivendi claims the movie's 4 creators -- Shearer, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Rob Reiner -- were only owed a whopping $81 for merch, and $98 for music sales ... up until 2006.
Think about it ... that's $179, split 4 ways! The numbers are astoundingly low, if the lawsuit is correct. Shearer -- who also does a ton of voices on "The Simpsons" -- has a two-part solution.
First, he wants Vivendi to fork over $125 mil. Then, he wants his own company, Century of Progress Productions, to take over the film's trademarks.
Doesn't sound like they're gonna do Stonehenge tomorrow.