Homer Simpson Comic-Con Hologram Gets FOX Sued

Out of all the things The Simpsons could possibly get sued for, I never thought it would be over a hologram. And even then, I would’ve guessed it would be one of the hologram’s Comic-Con jokes that would land the show in hot water.

But alas, this is not the source of the lawsuit. Last week, Alki David’s Hologram USA filed a lawsuit that says the 3D Homer at San Diego Comic-Con infringed its patented system to project three-dimensional images on stage. Musion Das Hologram and Uwe Maass are also listed as plaintiffs, and James Brooks’ Gracie Films is also a defendant.

Holograms have been previously used at the 2006 Grammys to allow Madonna to perform with the Gorillaz (though I personally wouldn’t have allowed that), and at Coachella in 2012 to project Tupac alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

“As with the Simpson hologram, the Patented Technology was used to create the Tupac Shakur hologram,” that lawsuit states (read it here, via the Hollywood Reporter.) “Unlike the creators of the Tupac Shakur hologram, however, Defendants did not obtain a license or any other authorization to use the Patented Technology for the Performance.”

The use of the famous Michael Jackson hologram at the Billboard Music Awards earlier this year is also being sued by the plaintiffs, because they apparently want everyone to hate them.

“This filing is totally without merit and we have no comment except to say that once again, Mr. David has demonstrated his insatiable need to remain relevant,” a FOX spokesperson said, adding a solid insult to the plaintiff’s alleged injury.

[via The Hollywood Reporter]