Viacom sues Nick Cannon over ‘Bad vs. Wild’

Nick Cannon is facing a legal battle after Viacom International Inc. filed a lawsuit accusing him of assisting Zeus Network in copying his long-running MTV series, 'Wild 'N Out.' 

According to AllHipHop, the lawsuit claims that Zeus’s 'Bad vs. Wild' is not merely similar to 'Wild 'N Out' but is essentially a direct reproduction of the show, including the same set design, format, and even Cannon as the host.

Viacom argues that Zeus blatantly infringed on its intellectual property. George W. Kroup, the attorney representing Viacom, asserts that Zeus intentionally copied key elements of 'Wild ‘N Out' to create 'Bad vs. Wild,' with full knowledge that it would infringe on Viacom’s copyrights. He also points out that Cannon’s role in the new show directly violates his contract with Viacom, which prohibits him from engaging in competing or imitative projects.

The lawsuit details how 'Bad vs. Wild' mimics the signature features of 'Wild 'N Out,' such as rival teams, live audience participation, celebrity guest appearances, DJ-driven scoring, and championship prizes. Viacom contends these elements are unmistakable trademarks of its brand. The lawsuit further accuses Zeus of marketing the show as a more extreme version of 'Wild ‘N Out,' using promotional phrases like “Wild ‘N Out on steroids.”

In addition to the alleged infringement, Viacom claims that the content of 'Bad vs. Wild' tarnishes the reputation of 'Wild 'N Out' by incorporating harmful and offensive elements. These include racial and gender stereotypes, explicit material, and glorified violence—issues that Viacom argues are far removed from the lighthearted humor that defines the original show.

The lawsuit also names several former 'Wild 'N Out' cast and crew members who now work with Zeus, claiming their involvement further blurs the line between the two shows and causes confusion for viewers. Viacom is seeking a permanent injunction to halt the production and distribution of 'Bad vs. Wild,' financial damages, and the return of any profits made from the show.