TV
Cowell 'facing legal action' over 'X Factor'
Published Tuesday, Apr 27 2004, 09:22 BST | By Neil Wilkes
Simon Cowell is facing claims that the idea for his new pop reality show was stolen.
The X Factor - set to begin on ITV1 this September - will feature contestants of all ages being judged by Cowell, Mel B and Louis Walsh.
Paul Tinney, a band manager from Belfast, told The Sun today that he had originally came up with the format three years ago.
“I’ve invested three years of my life, not to mention a substantial sum of money, into The X Factor," said Tinney, 39. "I was stunned to learn that Simon Cowell had this ‘new’ idea because it is a carbon copy of mine. I have instructed my solicitors.???
Cowell's publicist Max Clifford insisted there was no problem, saying: “This whole thing was thoroughly researched and checked out by lawyers.???
The X Factor - set to begin on ITV1 this September - will feature contestants of all ages being judged by Cowell, Mel B and Louis Walsh.
Paul Tinney, a band manager from Belfast, told The Sun today that he had originally came up with the format three years ago.
“I’ve invested three years of my life, not to mention a substantial sum of money, into The X Factor," said Tinney, 39. "I was stunned to learn that Simon Cowell had this ‘new’ idea because it is a carbon copy of mine. I have instructed my solicitors.???
Cowell's publicist Max Clifford insisted there was no problem, saying: “This whole thing was thoroughly researched and checked out by lawyers.???
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