Melissa McCarthy’s Puppet Comedy, “The Happytime Murders” Is Sued By Sesame Street

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The company behind “Sesame Street” is suing the makers of Melissa McCarthy’s upcoming raunchy comedy, “The Happytime Murders,” for referencing Sesame Street in its marketing campaign. The R-rated film follows “two clashing detectives” (Melissa McCarthy and her partner, a puppet named Phil Phillips) in Los Angeles as they work together “to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show,” according to its website. The Happytime Murders uses the tagline “No Sesame. All Street” in the movie’s trailer. In the lawsuit Sesame Workshop argues that STX Entertainment does not have the right to use “Sesame Street” in its tagline. They argue that the tagline “deliberately confuses consumers into mistakenly believing that Sesame is associated with, has allowed, or has even endorsed or produced the movie and tarnishes Sesame’s brand.” The film is directed by Brian Henson, son of late puppeteer Jim Henson, who helped develop characters for “Sesame Street” and created the Muppets. The lawsuit asks for a jury trial, punitive damages and that “The Happytime Murders” change its advertising. The Happytime Murders” is schedule to be released on August 17.

‘Sesame Street’ sues makers of raunchy puppet comedy ‘The Happytime Murders’

Via rss.cnn.com
 

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