A pastor and a screenwriter have filed a lawsuit against Oprah Winfrey, claiming she stole the idea for her "Greenleaf" TV series for the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Pastor Lester Eugene Barrie and Shannan Lynette Wynn filed the suit at the federal court in California, citing that Winfrey ripped off their story, "Justice & Glory." The pair claimed that they met with Winfrey in 2014 to discuss ideas for their show but she apparently rejected the pitch.
The pair also pitched "Justice & Glory" to ABC but got turned down as well. A few years later, Winfrey launched "Greenleaf" on her network. They accused Winfrey of conspiring with ABC to steal their intellectual property.
"They used the same character names, and copied verbatim unique and novel storylines, themes, subplots and the overall tone of the show," the lawsuit claimed.
"The setting of [Winfrey's] 'Greenleaf' is identical to that of Plaintiffs' 'Justice & Glory.' Both shows are dramas that take place in the South and center around a powerful, African-American family dynasty and their sprawling megachurch," the claim added.
"Greenleaf" debuted on OWN in June 2016 and follows the lives of a family that runs a Memphis megachurch, the Calvary Fellowship World Ministries. Tensions and secrets arise when Grace Greenleaf, returns to her hometown after 20 years following the mysterious death of her sister Faith. Winfrey recurs as Mavis McCready, Grace's aunt and closest confidant.
A spokesperson for Winfrey told The Wrap that OWN has yet to be served the lawsuit. The pastor and Wynn are seeking $150,000 each for copyright infringement, as well as an injunction to further bar the "Greenleaf" production from copying their ideas.
Meanwhile, "Greenleaf" has been renewed for a third season with Patti LaBelle signing up to guest star.The show is also available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon.
