'CSI' Writer Accused of Televised Revenge Plot

Daquien

Daquien

Coroner
This is one of the best lawsuits we've seen in a while -- a writer for "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is accused of naming some seriously perverted characters on his show after a real-life couple who allegedly screwed her in a real estate deal gone bad.

According to the suit, filed moments ago in L.A. County Superior Court, Scott and Melinda Tamkin claim "CSI" writer Sarah Goldfinger sought revenge against them by allegedly using their names and likenesses to craft a recent episode of "CSI."

Here's the rub -- the Tamkins claim their fictional counterparts "engaged in a reckless lifestyle of sexual bondage, pornography, drunkeness, marital discord, depression, financial straights and possibly even murder."

The Tamkins claim CBS acknowledged the problem and changed the names "at the eleventh hour," but because the first names matched, and the original last names had already made it to the Internet -- the damage was already done.

Now the Tamkins claim their good names have been sullied -- and are suing CBS, Goldfinger and the production company behind the show for at least $6 mil.

TMZ
 
I sent a link to the newfiles here, so I don't know if this thread will stay open or not, but in the meantime here's a link to a story in the LA Times.

These people might already be rich, but I guess they fear their good name would be spoiled given the industry they are in which your reputation is very important. I can see their point in filing a lawsuit against Goldfinger who given her experience should have known better. She can't even argue ignorance because the names were changed shortly before the episode shot. So on the surface, she does appear to be in the wrong.

I know from my own experience as a fanfic writer how much fun it is to create bad guys and alot them names of people who have done you wrong, but in this case, Goldfinger is writing storylines for a tv show watched by millions-including the people who she feels have done her wrong. So a little discretion might have been wise in hindsight.

But I have to ask, would anyone have made the connection between themselves and Sara Goldfinger had a lawsuit not been filed?

I hope she doesn't get fired over this, she has written some great episodes such as Gum Drops and Happenstance-and some of the best Nick and Mandy scenes.
 
I would never have made a connection to any known person, living or dead, from the CSI episode. The ONLY people who had a chance to make such a connection are Goldfinger and the Tamkins, and I suppose a few others who know the Tamkins. I think Goldfinger may have used bad judgement, but honestly -- the Tamkins are making themselves better known by bringing up the lawsuit. If they don't want their name "further dragged through the mud," they shouldn't have pursued a lawsuit. And if they don't want such "bad" things happening to them, they shouldn't screw people over. Writers have a way of seeking creative revenge...I would, if I were a professional writer! (Hopefully I wouldn't do it quite so blatantly.)

Goldfinger has written some of my favorite episodes; I hope she learns a lesson AND does not get fired. I imagine CBS will settle and the Tamkins will get richer, unfortunately.
 
If I have a sense of what the case if about, the episode they're talking about is "Deep Fried and Minty Fresh" with the bondage and the real estate agent. Note that I'm purely speculating, but that was Sarah's last episode to date, and the article said it was a "recent" episode.

I wish Sarah the best. She's a great writer who truly knows the CSI format--not to mention she's been with the show since season 3. I wouldn't want her to leave.
 
vegaslights said:
If I have a sense of what the case if about, the episode they're talking about is "Deep Fried and Minty Fresh" with the bondage and the real estate agent. Note that I'm purely speculating, but that was Sarah's last episode to date, and the article said it was a "recent" episode.
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That's appears to be correct...

"Catherine and Greg investigate the death of Melinda Tucker, who was killed handcuffed to her bed while her husband Scott, a real estate agent, was passed out drunk on the couch."

She was the overdosed on fluoride lady.
 
I don't believe she will be forced to leave by the CSI PTB themselves, however, the network might be ticked off about the money and force her to leave.

Maybe the Screen Writers' Guild will step in.
 
I, seriously, don't think the couple will win this suit.

They have to PROVE that those characters were based on them and they won't be able to do that and to prove that hit hurt the real estate business. The only thing hurting their business is the economy.

Then, of course, there's that disclaimer all shows usually have the: Any Resemblance to Actual Events or Persons Living or Dead is Purely Coincidental

I think CBS, CSI and Goldfinger will win this round.
 
They have to PROVE that those characters were based on them and they won't be able to do that and to prove that hit hurt the real estate business. The only thing hurting their business is the economy.
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I'm wondering what sort of lawsuit has been filed against SG and CBS. Is it a libel or slander law suit? If it is, the couple will have to PROVE the show hurt their reputation in the community and jeapardizing their livelihood. If they can prove this, then they could win the lawsuit. It might be a long shot, but it can be done.

Still this could be quite a lengthy battle between them because if the couple loses, SG could turn around and file a counter suit against them claiming her reputation in the industry has taken a hit. Networks may be shy to hire her if they know she caused another one-a major one to lose money because a storyline.

That was a really stupid move she made to use their real names in a storyline. Sorry as talented as she is, she should have used more discretion because even the threat of a lawsuit can be damaging to your reputation.
 
vegaslights said:
Wojo said:
Just somebody looking to cash in - IMHO
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Housing market is slow right now with this economy. Looking for cash every way they can.
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I agree. I really honestly believe they are bringing this up to bring more attention to their business.

I really don't think the woman who played the character on the episode looks anything like the real melinda. The tv hubby does resemble the real one though.

However, if these allegations are true, then I can understand to a point why they are going after SG. But, why go after CBS? Especially since they allegedly changed the characters' last names upon discovering the connection. They were in the right if these allegations are true and do not deserve to be sued. Are they suppose to know the names of every single person that every one of their employees come in contact with? Don't think so. So, I just don't get that part of it. They didn't know and when they did, they allegedly took it upon themselves to right the wrong. So, they should be left out of the lawsuit IMO and the fact that they're not left out of it leads me to believe that this is a couple who is just looking to cash in on someone who is more wealthy than they are and a way to get some publicity for their business.

And I honestly don't think anyone who read the original description of the ep with the real last names are going to think much when coming upon the real estate agents. They would probably just it was a coincidence.

There was an ep of one show, I think it was Criminal Minds where one character had the same first and last name as a relative of mine (and I'm not sure, but I think the character wasn't 100% innocent... I don't think he was the murderer, but I think he did do something wrong) and neither I nor anyone in my family sued for it. We just saw it as a coincidence.

Also, in the episode, the wife was a dental hygenist. Is this real woman a dental hygenist? Cause if not, then I'm not sure they would be able to prove their claims.
 
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I agree too, but still, it was very stupid and unprofessional of Sarah Goldfinger to use their real names in the initial script in the first place (and she actually cast two actors that looked like them? lol). Whether they get to prove her intention or not, she should have known better. Whatever the couple's motivation of filing a suit is, it doesn't change the fact that Sarah Goldfinger did make a (IMO, quite huge) mistake.
 
EricaSJ said:
I agree too, but still, it was very stupid and unprofessional of Sarah Goldfinger to use their real names in the initinal script in the first place (and she actually cast two actors that looked like them? lol). Whether they get to prove her intention or not, she should have known better. Whatever the couple's motivation of filing a suit is, it doesn't change the fact that Sarah Goldfinger did make a (IMO, quite huge) mistake.
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Doesn't CSI have actual casting directors though? I mean would SG as a writer/producer be given the responsibility of casting an episode?
 
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