Share

Former Cosby Show actor says <em>Empire</em> was his idea

Philadelphia — A Philadelphia man is suing in federal court saying the hit show Empire infringes on a show he created and copyrighted a decade ago.

Clayton Tanksley, an actor who once played a character on The Cosby Show, says Lee Daniels stole the idea from him during a 2008 film event.

Tanksley, who performs under the name Clayton Prince, says he participated in a Philly Pitch event. After the event, Tanksley claims he privately pitched his idea to Daniels and gave him scripts of the show, as well as several DVDs with episodes on them.

The suit filed on Friday names Daniels, co-creator Danny Strong, 21st Century Fox, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office and the film office's director, Sharon Pinkenson.

Emails sent on Thursday morning seeking comment from representatives of Daniels, Strong and 20th Century Fox Television weren't immediately answered.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE