“Yellowstone” Creator Taylor Sheridan Accused of Plagiarism

Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the massive “Yellowstone” television franchise, has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit. Screenwriter and journalist Lauren J. Salkin has filed a federal complaint in California against Sheridan, Paramount, and NBCUniversal, alleging that the hit series was built upon concepts lifted from her own previously submitted work.

According to Salkin, she submitted a pilot script and supplementary materials for a project titled “Sovereign Nation” to Sheridan’s production company between 2016 and 2017. The plaintiff maintains that her documents were formally received and reviewed by the company’s representatives. At the time, she was informed that while Sheridan appreciated the submission, he was not actively developing television projects.

Just months later, Paramount greenlit “Yellowstone,” which subsequently premiered in June 2018.

In her legal filing, the screenwriter provides a detailed breakdown comparing the characters and narrative arcs of both works. She asserts that the figures in “Yellowstone” bear striking similarities to those in “Sovereign Nation,” noting that both projects revolve around themes of territorial disputes, conflicts between ranchers and real estate developers, and the looming risk of losing a family legacy. Salkin further highlights the parallel tone and dramatic structure shared by both stories.

Salkin is seeking a formal judgment for copyright infringement, an injunction against the continued use of her material, and significant financial compensation, including a portion of the profits generated by the “Yellowstone” franchise.

Source: Film.ru