The Big Bang Theory makers accused of stealing song

Will Sheldon have to find another bedtime song?

A lawsuit has been filed against the makers of hit TV show The Big Bang Theory over ownership of the song Soft kitty.

PHOTO: SHELDONFANS.COM

The song has become a source of comfort for the show's main character, Sheldon, whenever he's sick or troubled.

Late poet Edith Newlin wrote lyrics of the song Warm kitty in 1937. Her daughters, Margaret Perry and Ellen Chase, think CBS should pay royalty, reports AceShowbiz.



They filed a lawsuit on Monday in a federal court in Manhattan, saying, "The Soft kitty lyrics have played a prominent role in the development and portrayal of one of the central characters in the programme."

Newlin's lyrics say: "Warm kitty/ soft kitty/ little ball of fur/ sleepy kitty/ happy kitty/ purr purr purr."

The one used on the show only changes the order of the lyrics, but the rest are exactly the same. It was first sung in a BBT episode in 2008 by both Sheldon and Penny before it was repeated in seven more episodes.

PHOTO: SHELDONSFANS.COM

The Big Bang Theory made the song so popular that CBS made a whole line of merchandise out of it including coffee mugs, hoodies, T-shirts, toys and key chains.



The lawsuit also said: "The Soft kitty lyrics are among the best known and most popular aspects of The Big Bang Theory. They have become a signature and emblematic feature of the show and a central part of the show's promotion.”