• Broadcasting & Cable, Monday, March 19, 2007 11 AM

Carol Burnett has filed a $2 million copyright-infringement suit against 20th Century Fox Television, claiming the studio did not have her permission to use her character "Charwoman" as a porn shop maid in an episode of "The Family Guy."

Burnett filed suit in U.S. District Court last week, alleging the show used an "altered version" of her 1970s variety show's theme music, while characters also performed her trademark ear tug. Burnett also says the show violated her publicity rights.

For the studio, though, it is a tempest in a mop bucket: "Family Guy," like "The Carol Burnett Show," is famous for its pop-culture parodies and satirical jabs at celebrities," 20th says. "We are surprised that Ms. Burnett, who has made a career of spoofing others on television, would go so far as to sue "Family Guy" for a simple bit of comedy."

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