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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Man Says ‘Idol’ Judge Stole His Idea

LOS ANGELES (CN) -A man has filed a $12 million lawsuit against "American Idol" host Randy Jackson, claiming Jackson swiped his idea to create "America's Best Dance Crew" on MTV.

Dwight McGhee, professionally known as Chalie Kane, says in Los Angeles Superior Court that he created a reality show revolving around a hip-hop and break dancing group dance competition called the International Breakerz League. He says he even registered the treatment with the U.S. Copyright Office in June 2004.

McGhee says he met with Lauren Dolgen, head of MTV's series development, in December 2004 to pitch the idea. McGhee says he was told MTV wasn't looking to do a dance show and that they were passing on his idea.

But then in February 2008, MTV aired the first episode of "Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew," which McGhee says "included most of the elements of his treatment as well as many of McGhee's ideas discussed in the pitch meeting."

McGhee wants credit and $12 million for breach of contract and false advertising.

He is represented by Steven Lowe.

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