Spinal Tap Co-Creator Brings Claim Against Vivendi

Harry Shearer, actor and star in This is Spinal Tap, an 80s rock mockumentary, has brought a legal claim against media multinational conglomerate Vivendi over the level of merchandising income apportioned to the four creators (one of whom was Harry Shearer) up until 2006.

Shearer has alleged that Vivendi carried out fraudulent practices to conceal and re-apportion revenue generated by the hit mockumentary. Shearer states that the creators' were only paid $98 in merchandising income and is claiming a staggering $125 million in damages from Vivendi.

The story has generated traction in the creative press with observers online applauding the action for tackling the accounting practices of Hollywood heavyweights. Shearer has described his claim as "a simple issue of artists' rights" and is seeking support from those in the creative industry by requesting re-tweets of support on Twitter, claiming he hopes to "set a new precedent for… fair artistic compensation industry-wide".

It will be interesting to observe further updates on the case as it unfolds in the courts. If you have any questions on the above please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniel & Co. on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.