Lawsuit Claims Apple TV+ Show ‘Servant’ Stole Content From 2013 Film, Potential $81 Million Fine at Stake

From 2019 to 2023, Apple TV+ showcased “Servant,”a psychological thriller that delved into a couple’s tumultuous journey following a personal tragedy, effectively creating rifts within their marriage. This gripping narrative has attracted viewers seeking intense streaming experiences. However, the show has faced significant controversy, as allegations have emerged claiming it borrowed crucial elements from a 2013 film—prompting a lawsuit that could potentially cost Apple a staggering $81 million.

Legal Claims: Allegations of Copyright Infringement Linked to ‘The Truth About Emanuel’

The dispute began in 2020 when Francesca Gregorini, the director of “The Truth About Emanuel,”filed a lawsuit asserting that “Servant”duplicated various thematic elements and visual shots from her film. As reported by AppleInsider, earlier attempts to dismiss the case were unsuccessful, leading to a trial where jurors will evaluate both productions to determine if copyright infringement occurred. The current proceedings involve the jury viewing selected clips from both the film and “Servant,”as they seek to ascertain potential similarities between the two works.

Representing Francesca, attorney Patrick Arenz presented evidence to the jury, claiming that “Servant”would not have existed without the foundational impact of “The Truth About Emanuel.”In defense, Tony Basgallop, the creator of “Servant,”has contested this assertion through his lawyer, Brittany Amadi, arguing that the development of “Servant”predates the release of Gregorini’s film. Furthermore, she contends that no creative influence was drawn from it, raising questions about the legitimacy of Francesca’s claims.

In addition to the impressive $81 million claim, which appears excessive, it’s noteworthy that “The Truth About Emanuel”struggled at the box office, generating a mere $226 in Los Angeles and only $9 in Philadelphia. Francesca’s legal representative acknowledged the typical financial challenges faced by independent films, suggesting that the overarching goal was not monetary success but rather enhanced recognition. For the lawsuit to succeed in proving copyright infringement, substantial evidence of similarities must be presented. The trial is poised to continue for about two weeks, with a verdict anticipated to follow soon after.

For further insights on this ongoing legal matter, visit Variety.

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