The Love & Hip-Hop franchise catapulted Mona Scott Young's career to another level but it may have been someone else's idea that sparked her success.
According to Eben Gregory, Young is allegedly being sued for copyright infringement to the tune of $50 million.
8th Wonder Entertainment, Nicki Lum-Davis and Trisha Lum are suing Young's production company, Monami. Young is accused of copyright infringement, fraud, breach of contract and breach of confidence for the idea of Love & Hip Hop reality show.
Court documents say the original show was called Hip Hop Wives. The show was to be a blend of the VH1 series Basketball Wives and the Real Housewives franchises highlighting the women associated with hip-hop stars and rappers.
The show's initial cast members included Tashera Simmons (DMX's ex-wife), Chrissy Lampkin (fiancee of Jim Jones), Mashonda Tifere (ex-wife of Swizz Beatz), and Debbie Lorenzo, Irv Gotti's ex-wife.
The plaintiffs claim that after their initial pitch meeting with Young and VH1, their concept was stolen and used to create the Love & Hip-Hop franchise.
The plaintiffs also claim that Chrissy Lampkin, who appeared on the first two seasons of Love & Hip-Hop, pulled out of their agreement to join forces with Young and VH1.
Court documents say that the plaintiffs developed a ready for production package that included attached talent, detailed storyline arcs, character arcs and ancillary characters.
The lawsuit was filed Monday (March 10). VH1 and MTV are both listed on the court documents.
Although no official statements have been issued, more details are forthcoming.
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