Cast members from the 1970s and 1980s sitcom Happy Days have launched a $10 million (Dh36.7m) lawsuit against the network CBS for breach of contract regarding the show's merchandising rights.
Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Donnie Most, Erin Moran and the estate of Tom Bosely filed the suit at a Los Angeles court alleging that the network allowed the actors' images to be used as part of casino slot machines without payment. Other co-stars Ron Howard and Henry Winkler are not included in the action. The suit is asking for $10m in damages in addition to legal fees.
"Happy Days epitomizes what is best in America," read the introduction to the lawsuit before describing CBS as epitomising "what is worst in corporate America, exemplifying the worst business practices."
Speaking to CNN, Ross said she only found out about the Happy Days-themed game machines after running into a fan. "It takes a lot to make me angry because so often my expectations are so low," she said.
"But the other day someone came up to me and said, 'you must be cleaning up on those casinos.' And I said, 'Well, what are you talking about?' And he said, 'If you get five Marions, you get the jackpot.'"
According to the suit, the actors are contracted to be paid 5 per cent from the net proceedings if a sole image is used, and a 2.5 per cent cut for group images.
CBS released a statement confirming they owe fees to the actors.
"We agree that funds are owed to the actors and have been working with them for quite some time to resolve the issue."
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
