Taylor Sheridan Sued by Writer for Allegedly Stealing Yellowstone Idea
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- TV writer Lauren J. Salkin has filed a lawsuit against Taylor Sheridan, Paramount, NBC Universal, and Elevate Entertainment, alleging Sheridan stole her idea for the TV show Yellowstone.
- Salkin claims she submitted a detailed pilot script, show bible, and pitch deck for a show called Sovereign Nation, focused on tribal governance and casino-driven economic power, to Sheridan's management in 2016-2017 but was told he was unavailable.
- The lawsuit asserts Yellowstone copied specific elements of Salkin’s work, including tribal casino settings, land disputes, and casting recommendations, and that a senior HBO executive also noted similarities.
- Salkin seeks damages and profits from the alleged copyright infringement and injunctive relief to prevent further use of her material, stating she has received nothing despite Yellowstone’s massive financial success.
- Salkin’s attorney described the case as a "David-versus-Goliath" battle, emphasizing her years of work and the show's status as a top streaming success.
