Screenwriter Salkin Sues 'Yellowstone' Creator Over Copyright Claim

Screenwriter Salkin Sues 'Yellowstone' Creator Over Copyright Claim

Entertainment

Screenwriter Lauren J. Salkin's lawsuit alleges that Taylor Sheridan and several studios copied her 2016 pitch for a western drama, and the complaint seeks monetary damages and a court injunction, according to The Independent. Salkin filed the federal suit in the United States, naming Sheridan, Paramount Network, Elevate Entertainment, 101 Studios and other studios as defendants, as reported by Variety and the Los Angeles Times.

Actors

Lauren J. Salkin Taylor Sheridan 101 Studios Paramount Elevate Entertainment Danny Huston Gil Birmingham

Locations

Paramount Network

Articles

August 24, 2026
1 total
Writer sues creator of "Yellowstone" alleging copyright infringement
Writer sues creator of "Yellowstone" alleging copyright infringement

The Independent • 24 Aug 03:10

A lawsuit claims Taylor Sheridan and several studios copied a 2016 TV series pitch, seeking damages and an injunction.

Credibility 68% Manip. 32% Center
August 23, 2026
3 total
Writer sues creator of "Yellowstone" alleging copyright infringement
Writer sues creator of "Yellowstone" alleging copyright infringement

The Independent • 23 Aug 14:15

A lawsuit claims Taylor Sheridan and several studios copied a 2016 TV series pitch, seeking damages and an injunction.

Credibility 68% Manip. 32% Center
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal over alleged Yellowstone plagiarism
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal over alleged Yellowstone plagiarism

The Hollywood Reporter • 23 Aug 03:41

TV writer Lauren J. Salkin has filed a copyright lawsuit claiming her 10-year-old series concept was used without permission in the Paramount Network series Yellowstone.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan alleging idea theft for "Yellowstone"
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan alleging idea theft for "Yellowstone"

Los Angeles Times • 23 Aug 00:00

A Virginia journalist claims her series concept was used without permission in the TV drama "Yellowstone" and its spinoffs, filing a federal lawsuit against writer-director Taylor Sheridan and associated studios.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
August 22, 2026
2 total
Writer Sues Taylor Sheridan and Studios Over Alleged Use of 2016 Pitch for "Yellowstone"
Writer Sues Taylor Sheridan and Studios Over Alleged Use of 2016 Pitch for "Yellowstone"

Variety • 22 Aug 19:56

Screenwriter Lauren J. Salkin has filed a copyright lawsuit claiming that the TV series "Yellowstone" was derived from her 2016 pitch for a western drama, naming Taylor Sheridan and several production companies as defendants.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal over alleged Yellowstone copyright infringement
Writer sues Taylor Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal over alleged Yellowstone copyright infringement

TheWrap • 22 Aug 17:59

Virginia writer Lauren J. Salkin alleges her 2016 pitch "Sovereign Nation" was used as the basis for the TV series Yellowstone and seeks an injunction and damages.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center

Related events