Mike Epps has reportedly been sent a cease-and-desist letter by producers who claim he stole their idea for a TV awards show.
Executives at network BET announced at the start of the December (17) that they had teamed up with The Hangover actor and comedian, who will serve as executive producer of the BET Social Awards, a televised awards show which celebrates the best and worst people, and moments on social media over the past year.
However, producers Calvin Valrie, LaMichael Finney and Bervick J. Deculus have accused Epps of stealing their idea and have hired a legal team and sent a cease-and-desist letter to Epps. In the letter, obtained by TMZ.com, they claim they pitched a similar show, titled Social Media Awards, to Epps‘ cousin in the hope of getting the funnyman onboard back in February. They never heard back and were shocked when BET executives announced their similar awards ceremony.
The producers have told the website they are willing to continue working with Epps, but had planned on selling their show to FOX instead. They have given him until Friday (29Dec17) to yield to their demands or they will pursue legal options.
The BET Social Awards are currently set to air live on 11 February (18) on BET.
