Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal

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Scarlett Johansson and Disney Clash Over Black Widow Contract Terms

November 18, 2021

Scarlett Johansson’s contract debacle with Disney illuminated the complicated contract disputes that arise in the entertainment industry. Although the parties have settled the case, it demonstrated various legal issues within the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. The issue was whether Scarlett Johansson’s contract stipulated an exclusive wide theatrical release of the Marvel movie Black Widow. According to the complaint filed by Johansson, Disney promised a “wide theatrical release” but did not specify that the release would be exclusive to theaters. Theatrical release, per entertainment standards, has historically meant a box office release. Thus, if the contract stipulated an exclusive theatrical release, Disney would have breached the contract with Johansson by releasing the movie both in theaters and on its subscription streaming service, Disney Plus. … More Scarlett Johansson and Disney Clash Over Black Widow Contract Terms

The NFL’s Racial Relapse

November 1, 2021

In 2017, the NFL and former players agreed to a settlement that provided compensation to former players who has been diagnosed with one of five brain conditions: ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and “Death with CTE.”  Players seeking to qualify for compensation under the plan must provide evidence, including cognitive test scores, showing that their brain functioning has declined.  The NFL and players worked with neuropsychology experts to come up with twenty-three cognitive tests players would take to evaluate any cognitive decline.  The results of these twenty-three tests determine if a player will qualify for compensation under the settlement agreement. … More The NFL’s Racial Relapse

#FreeBritney! Why the spotlight on Britney’s plight under her conservatorship is worth the public’s time

October 28, 2021

Although it may seem there are many more worthy causes than the ‘rights’ of a rich and famous pop star, the notoriously obsessive fans protesting outside the courthouse during Britney Spears’ conservatorship hearings may be on to something. For the last 13 years, Britney Spears has been legally bound in a conservatorship, a system defined by the Judicial Council of California as when “a judge appoints a responsible person or organization (called the ‘conservator’) to care for another adult (called the ‘conservatee’) who cannot care for himself or herself or manage his or her own finances.” The conservatorship began in 2008 because Britney had hit a rough patch, struggling through a divorce with her ex-husband Kevin Federline and her ensuing custody battle for her two sons. During this extremely stressful time, she struggled with her mental health, prompting her father, Jamie Spears, to step in and file for a temporary conservatorship. In early 2009, Jamie petitioned for the conservatorship to become permanent, showing the progress he had made by turning her estate from debt-ridden to profitable, which the court granted. Since then, according to Britney’s own testimony in June of 2021, she has been highly restricted in nearly all aspects of her life, despite proving repeatedly that she could work, manage a healthy relationship, parent her sons, and bring in the income then managed by her father. In 2020, Britney made it clear she wanted the conservatorship to end because her father was exploiting her and needlessly controlling her daily life. … More #FreeBritney! Why the spotlight on Britney’s plight under her conservatorship is worth the public’s time