American film production company Morgan Creek Productions has filed a Lawsuit Against the OTT subscription-based streaming platform Netflix and the producers of true crime documentary streaming TV series Tiger King for copyright infringement for use of Ace Ventura 2 clips.
The show which was released last year in March 2020 became a blockbuster hit that primarily focused on Joseph Maldonado Passage, also known as “Joe Exotic,” owner of a “big cat” zoo.
Morgan Creek Productions sued Netflix and Tiger King producers for the unauthorized usage of Ace Ventura 2 clips
The lawsuit filed against Netflix reads, “The series was filled with sordid tales of animal abuse, voluminous guns and a quixotic bid for the U.S. presidency.
Most significantly, the program followed a murder-for-hire plot aimed at a competing animal sanctuary owner, hated by Joe Exotic, and seen as a threat to his ‘big cat’ empire. That person was Carole Baskin, and Joe Exotic is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.”
According to the lawsuit the two clips of Ace Venture 2 starring Jim Carrey were used in the show without seeking their permission or license to show it.
Carrey was seen with a monkey wrapped around his neck and shoulder in one clip whereas in another clip it showed him triumphantly riding an elephant. The two clips totaled five seconds of screen time in the TV series Tiger King.
Pet Detective Ace Ventura that specializes in tracing lost animals was released in the year 1994 and its sequel Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls was released in the year 1995.
“Leaving no room for doubt as to the source, a dubbed-over voice identifies one such movie as Ace Ventura, at the precise time when the Infringing Clips appear on the screen. Plaintiff is informed and believes, and thereupon alleges, that Ace Ventura is the only film used in Tiger King where more than one clip appears”, the lawsuit says.
Morgan Creek alleged that “The episode was seen by an audience of literally millions of viewers — many of them more than once, multiplying the harm to MCP — all while knowing or having reason to know of the use of the Infringing Clips was without permission, content or license.”
Morgan Creek said that it has tried to resolve the issue outside the court but it did not work out.
Now it has filed a lawsuit and also pushing for statutory damages along with reimbursement of attorney’s fees. Further, it has asked the defendants to be forbidden for life using any clips owned by Morgan Creek.
Stay connected to this space for the latest updates!
