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Former Business Partner Sues “Survivor” Producer for $70 Million
8-Jul-2008
Written by: Justin Zaremba
Mark Burnett, the producer of “Survivor,” is being sued for $70 million by a former business partner for breach of contract.
Mark Burnett, the television producer behind the CBS show, Survivor, is being sued for $70 million by a business partner, who claims that Burnett refused to pay his fair share of profits, Reuters reports. The lawsuit alleges that Burnett is in breach of oral contract, in breach of fiduciary duty, and in breach of partnership agreement.
The business partner, Conrad Riggs, claims in his lawsuit, filed in Superior Court in Los Angeles on Monday, that Burnett agreed in 1998 to pay 10 percent of future profits to Riggs. At the time, Burnett was breaking into television.
The lawsuit states that, “As Burnett has acknowledged on several occasions, the significant contributions made by Burnett's business partner, Conrad Riggs, played a critical role in the success of their enterprise.”
When Burnett and Riggs first began working together, Burnett sought Riggs, who had been a business affairs executive, for his experience. The lawsuit states that the two made an oral agreement.
Riggs filed his lawsuit due to the fact that Burnett is currently in talks to sell his company. Riggs accuses Burnett of attempting to prevent Riggs from receiving any profits from the sale.
Burnett’s attorney, Steve Marenberg, stated, “We think the lawsuit is unfortunate and without merit and we expect to prevail.”
Survivor, which won an Emmy Award, is a reality show in which contestants travel to exotic locations and compete in various challenges.
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