Sources: NBC & Hollywood Foreign Press May Sue WGA Over No Golden Globes

UPDATE: NBC Claims It Was Asked By H'wood Foreign Press Assn And Dick Clark Productions To Join Lawsuit Against WGA; DCP Denies NBC Claim Of Involvement

zucker.jpgIsn't it moronic? I'm told by sources that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and even NBC could be on the verge of taking legal action against the WGA for actions leading to the cancellation of this year's Golden Globes. Really, could Jeff Zucker possibly be more of a putz? I say that if this happens then the WGA should countersue the NBC Universal midget for impersonating a mogul (and the HFPA for impersonating a legitimate news organization). Maybe the time has come to see if Zucker, who's been running off at the mouth about how NBC won't make pilots, can make do without writers altogether.

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61 Comments »

  1. Jeff Zucker is a little, little man in every possible way.

    Comment by his legacy worsens.. — February 12, 2008 @ 7:08 pm

  2. Nothing like a bunch of spoiled “executives” who had their parade rained on, and have to lawyer-up and create a worthless $tink. This is what makes me embarrassed to say I work in the “industry”. Do something cool instead, like take a portion of your bloated salaries and give to your favorite charity. Then you can sleep at night knowing you actually did something worthwhile!

    Comment by Pixel Mixer — February 12, 2008 @ 7:10 pm

  3. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

    The best thing to happen to the FOX Network was Jeff Zucker.

    What. A. Child.

    Comment by Mister Eight — February 12, 2008 @ 7:29 pm

  4. As if there weren’t enough reasons to despise Mr. Failing Upward. Why does this petty weasel still have a job?

    Comment by Mrs. Zucker — February 12, 2008 @ 7:35 pm

  5. Here’s a fun game we can all play. Everybody post the name of a show that super-genius Jeff Zucker developed at NBC. I’ll start the ball rolling:

    Emeril.

    Comment by I Hate Napoleon Zucker — February 12, 2008 @ 7:35 pm

  6. Zucker could absolutely be sued by the GE/NBC stockholders for losing over One Billion Dollars. Any WGA members who also own GE stock could join this class action suit. In fact WGA members could each buy 10 or 20 shares of GE stock just so they can qualify for the class action.

    What’s needed is a lawyer who yearns for a huge spotlight. Lawyers love big showbiz-oriented cases like this because they get enormous publicity and this one is very easy to win.

    Going after the bald dumb egocentric schmuck putz asswipe who cost his company over ONE BILLION DOLLARS in provable monetary losses is a real winner. When Zucker got his cushy job NBC was #1 now they are #4.

    Add up all the lost advertising money and Zucker can be held personally responsible. So the suit would be GE STOCKHOLDERS (including some new WGA stockholders) V. Jeff Zucker. NBC and GE won’t be listed as defendants. Only Zucker will be sued, personally.

    He deserves this so who will be the first lawyer to get going on this? :)

    Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2008 @ 7:39 pm

  7. Jeff Zucker is by far the biggest Ahole in Hollywood. He’s done nothing but failed upwards. What would possess him to even think about filing a lawsuit? Bring it, ya freaky midget.

    Comment by Mandy Lane — February 12, 2008 @ 7:47 pm

  8. Zucker is the guy who took NBC from 1st to 4th and yet somehow he gets promoted; he must have some photos of Immelt or something. Everyone in town knows Zucker is a putz and if he sues the WGA he’ll just be reconfirming it.

    Comment by Walk The Line — February 12, 2008 @ 7:48 pm

  9. This is utter, complete and total bullshit. Jeff Zucker, if I had balls, you could lick them.

    Comment by esoterica — February 12, 2008 @ 7:50 pm

  10. The HFP is a truly crappy, hack-filled, organization, and an embarrassment to our business. The best thing about the strike was the cancellation of the golden globes. Fuck ‘em!

    Comment by fuckthegg — February 12, 2008 @ 7:53 pm

  11. Yet again someone wanting to get money off of something that is doing well.

    Comment by Tim — February 12, 2008 @ 8:01 pm

  12. Someone should fire this guy. He is the worst.

    Comment by just a thought — February 12, 2008 @ 8:07 pm

  13. Jeff Zucker is the Devil. No, correction, he’s the mini Devil. Here’s a pitch, Jeff, that you can take straight to series: Failed Up!

    Comment by SitScribe — February 12, 2008 @ 8:14 pm

  14. Whut?! More fighting?! I thought it was time for make-up sex.

    NBC/Uni: Fire Zucker already.

    Comment by Tired Writer — February 12, 2008 @ 8:22 pm

  15. why not just charge the wga with economic terrorism?

    Comment by torquemada — February 12, 2008 @ 8:22 pm

  16. Oh, don’t ruin it, assholes. I hope whatever court they try to take this to, should they actually attempt it, smacks them across the face. *goes back to celebrating*

    Comment by Caitlin — February 12, 2008 @ 8:26 pm

  17. What nonsense is this? The WGA had no power to do anything to the Golden Globes: all they could have ever done is to picket them. If these studio morons actually wanted to get mad at someone it would be the actors who wouldn’t cross the picket line, but since there was no award show (and no picket line) they can’t even blame the actors!
    Wankers.

    Comment by Marian Martell — February 12, 2008 @ 8:40 pm

  18. The best moment of the strike was the day it was announced that those fake ass HFPA journos would not be able to drag their wheelchairs and breathing machines into all the parties they forced their way into with their PLUS 10!!
    Phones were ringing in every single office, cube and hallway of every single studio, pr firm and agency!!! Hurrah, we do not have to kiss ass and hold our breath!!! Hurrah, we do not have to pay these terrorists to get people excited about our film, our series!!! Hurrah freakin’ Hurrah!!!
    If only the strike could have halted the outrageous trips and gifts for the 65 of them to Europe, Hawaii and Canada, all expenses paid. The HFPA can kiss our collective ass and Zucker can sit and spin!! Besides the strike…it’s been a very good year!!

    Comment by Leslietired — February 12, 2008 @ 8:49 pm

  19. It was Jeff Zucker’s decision to cancel the awards show. It was his decision to incur whatever harm NBC and the HFP incurred. When these decisions were being made by Jeff Zucker, the WGA was waiting for Zucker’s representatives in the AMPTP to return to the table from which they walked away. Every single ball was in Jeff Zucker’s court. How does he plan to prove that it is the WGA’s responsibility that NBC incurred any damages caused by his decisions? His actions, not the WGA’s caused the harm. Instead of studying history, he would have been well served to study law.

    Comment by Paul — February 12, 2008 @ 8:51 pm

  20. Wow. What’s the claim, that a union on strike isn’t allowed to actually strike? If their lawyers really do this they should be sanctioned after the judge laughs them out of court. HFPA will earn the enmity of industry unions for a long time if they try this. And Zucker’s already made an idiot out of himself up by refusing to let the GGs to go on without being broadcast. The LA Times has heralded JZ as one of the “losers” of the strike for his dumb behavior toward his news division during the GG meltdown. Isn’t it time for him to cut his losses?

    Comment by R.B. — February 12, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

  21. Nikki,
    Grow up and get off the writer’s nuts. The WGA just overtly settled in large part to save The Oscars.Zucker has a case and should at least make it public how silly and weak it is that an award show was one of the major contributing factors in this oh-so important and necessary “Fight” for pennies.

    Love you regardless,

    H

    Comment by Harvey Jr. — February 12, 2008 @ 8:54 pm

  22. Sue the WGA — oh, that’s a good one. Too bad Zucker’s sitcoms weren’t that funny or his tenure at NBC might not be such a failure.

    Comment by &%#@ the Zuck — February 12, 2008 @ 8:58 pm

  23. Zucker is an unbelievable jackass.
    When will NBC/Universal get wise to what a waste
    of money he is? He drove that network into the ground.
    Remember when NBC had “must-see” TV?
    Those days are OVER thanks to that no-talent.
    Nice work, Nikki.
    Putz is the perfect word.

    Comment by Former NBC Hit-Com Writer — February 12, 2008 @ 9:13 pm

  24. What’s the concern?

    Zucker hasn’t been successful at anything since he left the Today Show.

    Comment by B. Real — February 12, 2008 @ 9:21 pm

  25. NBC needs to follow New Line’s lead and oust Zucker

    Comment by 40yearoldstitzer — February 12, 2008 @ 9:23 pm

  26. Poor Jeff Zucker. Why does everyone always pick on him. First high school. Now Hollywood. What did he ever do that was so bad, besides taking NBC from number one to number four? From the West Wing to American Gladiators? Not anyone could do that, you know. Maybe they should send him to CBS. He could take the Tiffany network and turn it into the Zales network. He’s got some serious low rent skills.

    Comment by Leave the Joke of Hollywood alone — February 12, 2008 @ 9:32 pm

  27. That crazy little asshole could scotch the strike agreement. Because, seriously, it’s almost worth saying “Fuck You” to the networks unless they show a sign of good faith and nail his hands to the front doors of the AMPTP headquarters. (One of my favorite scenes from “Rome” would work very well here.)

    What a colossal blunder. It shows ho much of an ass Zucker is and a trial would reveal how disgusting and puerile this twerpy organization really is.

    Comment by anotherWGAmember — February 12, 2008 @ 9:50 pm

  28. You’ve got giant balls. I love you Nikki Finke.

    Comment by nancy — February 12, 2008 @ 9:51 pm

  29. Although it’s possible NBC or the HFPA would try to sue, it seems unlikely. For the HFPA it would likely mean the permanent end of the Golden Globes. It’s just too predictable that relying purely on their individual senses of distaste most acting talent wouldn’t attend future shows. As for NBC, they probably signed a waiver of strike-related law suits as part of the new deal with the Guild. If it comes out that they didn’t and now are considering a suit, the WGA membership probably won’t vote to ratify the agreement and NBC is going to be back on strike… for eternity. In short, there’s too little to gain from suing the WGA even if a suit is ultimately successful after many, many years of appeals - but there’s an enormous amount to lose and that loss will be immediate and irrevocable.

    Comment by Lackland — February 12, 2008 @ 10:14 pm

  30. You know for someone who had a large part of his colon removed, Jeff Zucker is still a huge shit bag.

    Comment by One Time Sitcom Writer — February 12, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

  31. Awesome, file that suit Zucker.
    Clearly he has not run this by the boys at GE yet.

    I can hardly wait for the discovery and deposition process that will throw open the studio’s (and AMPTP) entire strike strategy and internal communications process to everyone.

    I will finally get to read those memos.
    Probably right here on DHD.
    Nothing like a legal filing to shed light on internal process and the people.

    Bring it on Jeff.
    You’re fellow moguls will love you for this Zucker.
    You will truly never eat lunch in this town again.
    This will be good.

    And the National Labor Relations Board will also get involved too as soon as any union is sued.
    I’m tingling with excitement about this.
    First the strike ends now this might happen.
    I have to go now, I need a cigarette…..

    Comment by reelbusy — February 12, 2008 @ 10:49 pm

  32. He’s just mad that Silverman didn’t take him to the Prom. Let the little ball Zucker cry all he wants, he’s managed to ruin another corporation.

    Comment by Ball Zucker — February 12, 2008 @ 11:24 pm

  33. I do know for a fact that way before the strike, when each CEO was met with, one on one, to try and prevent it from happening, Zucker said that he can make TV without writers. He said screw them, he didn’t need them.

    Yea, Hollywood!

    Comment by sleepy writer — February 12, 2008 @ 11:44 pm

  34. I still say he looks — and acts — frighteningly like Ari Fleischer.

    Comment by Jack Burton — February 12, 2008 @ 11:59 pm

  35. This may sound stupid, but to point out the obvious (or not).

    Zucker = Fucker

    A simple letter substitution which happens to fit the facts.

    Comment by Canukistani Supporter — February 13, 2008 @ 12:20 am

  36. Most folks here are posting nothing but insults because of a possible intent to sue, but many of you don’t see that there is a possible case here.

    It isn’t that they would be suing over pickets, or because the WGA was on strike. They would be suing because the WGA refused to negotiate a deal with them while negotiating deals with other organizations. There are still afterall competition laws.

    I seriously doubt that they are going to sue, but folks, take a deep breath and realize that the possibility and the law is in place to entertain such a law suite. Not only that, there is an actual case to be made in doing so, it didn’t help that the WGA leadership publically admitted to why they wouldn’t deal with them. Poor judgement on their part.

    Comment by Chips Down — February 13, 2008 @ 1:09 am

  37. this suit would last all of 2 seconds. depending on the SAG contract, he could sue them (and might actually win; depending on the contract)

    @Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2008 @ 7:39 pm

    It’s pretty apparent that you don’t own any stock. You can’t sue someone simply for losing money through legit business dealings. The shareholders should demand a vote to fire him as he is a terrible businessman.

    Comment by Anonymous — February 13, 2008 @ 1:18 am

  38. He’s got no legal grounds to stand on… maybe he’ll borrow an apple box and stand on that so we can see him when he talks… the little dictator… Sorry Napoleon, you’re still my favorite little crook. D.

    Comment by Davod G/ — February 13, 2008 @ 4:46 am

  39. Hollywood Foreign Press Association? Who are they?

    Weren’t they the ones that had some glorified People’s Choice type awards show except only 90 people from completely irrelevant foreign tabloid magazines voted?

    Whether the strike was worth what the contract that will be approved or the sacrifice of WGA members and BTLs is one thing, but the irrelevance of the HFPA being on full display was one of the real benefits of the strike.

    FU HFPA.

    Comment by Harold — February 13, 2008 @ 4:52 am

  40. You may be right but did you really need to work in the “midget” remark? If he was diabetic would you have felt the need to work in some kind diabetes angle? Granted it’s your website and I don’t want to the part of the PC brigade but take a second and reflect before you hit enter.

    Comment by a short person — February 13, 2008 @ 5:11 am

  41. Looks like Jeff Zucker is looking to take Bob Shaye’s place as cautionary example in chief.

    I think it’s time for the G/E-NBC/Universal board to take a long hard look at Zucker’s contract.

    Comment by Furious D — February 13, 2008 @ 5:13 am

  42. I’m so over NBC. It started when they removed their content from iTunes and their actions since have convinced that they are just a backward organization.

    Comment by PJ — February 13, 2008 @ 5:53 am

  43. You know for someone who had a large part of his colon removed, Jeff Zucker is still a huge shit bag.

    Comment by One Time Sitcom Writer — February 12, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

    That, OTSW, is why you make the big bucks.
    HILARIOUS!

    Comment by e — February 13, 2008 @ 5:57 am

  44. Can I sue Universal for that atrocity I bought over the weekend-”Emergency! Season 4″? Seriously, the whole thing looks and sounds like ass…

    Comment by Blue Demon — February 13, 2008 @ 6:13 am

  45. Hey, maybe if the prick moguls actually negotiated in good faith, there might have been a deal (and thus the GGs).

    But that would take common sense wouldn’t it and we know there’s no common sense in LaLaWood.

    Comment by Sandy Daley — February 13, 2008 @ 6:17 am

  46. Isn’t there contractual language that covers strikes or acts of God? This is just super silly.

    Comment by Mike — February 13, 2008 @ 6:54 am

  47. Correct me if I’m wrong, but did not the conduct of the WGA remain consistent with their stated intentions as to who they would negotiate with?

    Regarding the possibl lawsuit, should he not be sueing SAG as well? Even if the WGA refused an exemption and placed pickets, doesn’t it come down to the fact SAG refused participation by refusing to cross the picket lines?

    Comment by original joe — February 13, 2008 @ 7:12 am

  48. Jeff Zucker must possess some very controversial pictures of people above him. It’s the only thing that explains why everyone around him falls away, but he continues to stand and move upwards. I mean, how badly does this guy have to fuck up to finally get canned? He is single handedly responsible for turning the proud NBC peacock into a sad little bird.

    Comment by Reasonable Writer — February 13, 2008 @ 7:18 am

  49. Assuming NBC-Uni and or the HFPA are dumb enough to sue, would their lawyers be kind enough to either post copies of the filings or send them to me (I’ll gladly pay the photocopying and postal fees) so I can make copies for the 10 members of the House of Representatives who are already considering giving the moguls the Congressional equivalent of a full rectal exam (which hopefully C-SPAN can broadcast commercial-free)

    Nothing more fun than a good dog & pony show on Capitol Hill.

    I can hardly wait to welcome Zucker the Sucker to DC…feel free to bring it on.

    Comment by VDOVault — February 13, 2008 @ 7:25 am

  50. NBC needs to fire Jeff Zucker and Ben Silverman.

    Comment by For us all — February 13, 2008 @ 7:48 am

  51. Any truth to the rumor that Big Fat Liar was based on the life of the Zuckmiester?

    Comment by Strait Butta — February 13, 2008 @ 9:09 am

  52. Let me just say that it is amazing that Zucker wasn’t fired at least 2 years ago as he seems to be in over his head at NBC.

    But having said that NBC/Uni/Dick Clark Productions have a strong case against the WGA. Very arguably the WGA violated Federal Labor law by refusing to deal with companies on an equal basis.

    And Dick Clark Productions were clearly not dealt with in an equal manner as other similarly situated companies (World Wide Pants, United Artists, etc.).

    Say what you will about Zucker, but he has a strong case. Now whether pursuing this kind of legal action is a good PR move is another matter.

    Comment by Anonymous — February 13, 2008 @ 10:41 am

  53. First of all, Nikki– this post CRACKED ME UP!

    Second of all, how does NBC even think they have a legal leg to stand on? They MADE THE CHOICE to cancel the Globes… they could’ve held them totally as planned. And if their rebuttal is: “the WGA kept actors from coming,” well– no, the WGA didn’t. The WGA simply set up a TOTALLY LEGAL picket line, and every actor made the individual choice to cross or not cross it, just as NBC made the choice to not hold the Globes.

    Third of all, if NBC wants to talk legalities, I’d like to hear them explain the legalities of hiring Ben Silverman, the founder/head of an independent company (Reveille), letting that company stay in business, then letting Ben pick up an overwhelming number of shows from the very company he founded and profits from. ESPECIALLY shows like “Kath & Kim,” which NBC had canned months before Ben came on board.

    On what planet is THAT legal and ethical?

    Comment by Chad Gervich — February 13, 2008 @ 10:48 am

  54. As many others have posted, Zucker continues to fail upward. He drove NBC into the ground when he ran it - anything in development there - he would neuter and and try and shape into something that would look like a cooking segment on the Today Show. He has ADD so trying to talk to him was like trying to keep water in a paper bag. He would make horrible decisions and then blame underlings (I know, I know, this sound slike show biz as usual but he was incredibly adept at the shittiness of it). So, GE continues to promote him. He claims he wants to shake up TV - I know what - go back to the days of MTM - when one would hire a bunch of talented writers and let THEM create the show they want and put THAT ON!!! It may fail but so do 9 out of 10 shows now that are noted to death and tested again and again. You got nothing to lose.

    Comment by skoonix — February 13, 2008 @ 10:49 am

  55. Well, Zucker just extended the strike for another week, unless there’s already a hold-harmless clause in the new contract. This guy got this job how?

    Comment by imajoebob — February 13, 2008 @ 12:20 pm

  56. He’s a miserable bald little shrimp.

    It would be hard to boycott NBC because that necessitates anyone watching to begin with

    From the prime time garbage to the desperate crap on MSNBC to the terminally grating and unfunny Leno, Zucker has destroyed NBC.

    Comment by TH — February 13, 2008 @ 1:03 pm

  57. Frankly, I don’t watch network television anymore, except for proven content via NetFlix. Heidi and Michael Kors and Top Chef are the new reality. Jeff Smucker and his ilk should suck it up, give the likes of ICM reality guy Steve Wohl a call and at least mount some quality cheap programming if they want to make some real scratch and stop embarassing the hell out of GE.

    Comment by Saul Ives — February 13, 2008 @ 3:41 pm

  58. Zucker needs to be humiliated in a very creative way for being such a sleazy little asshole. He needs to be Punk’d in an outrageous public fashion so he is infuriated to the max. I want to see him purple with rage lashing out at someone he thinks did this to him. Something really inventive and embarrassing. It has to be videotaped and put up on You Tube. He needs to be paranoid about where and when this will happen. :)

    Comment by Anonymous — February 13, 2008 @ 5:20 pm

  59. Actual only the HFPA and NBC should be able to sue. The reason is that they had contracts. So it could be a contract violation. Also the National Labor Relations Board may side with HFPA and NBC because the WGA did other deal but would not do so with the HFPA and the production company.

    Comment by Greg Patrick — February 13, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

  60. Yeah, but everybody is sue-happy nowadays. It’s like a ping pong ball going back and forth and every which way.

    Comment by Blabbinit — February 13, 2008 @ 6:33 pm

  61. Why should the WGA not be liable for damages to uninvolved third parties from actions they took against those people? There’s no question they have no liability from striking.

    However, when they announced they urged performers not to attend a HFPA event and said they would have a picket line out front, they appear to have crossed the legal line. They had no labor issues with the foreign press, but they directly cost them money by actions not related to their disputes with the networks. The WGA should pay up for that one.

    Comment by JimK — February 19, 2008 @ 9:35 am

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