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Ex-Bush Aide: Swing Vote Stole My Story

Talking head sues, saying he gave similar script to Grammer

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 8, 2008 10:44 AM CDT
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(AP) – An ex-Bush aide has sued Kevin Costner, Kelsey Grammer, and Disney, claiming the plot and marketing elements of the recently released movie Swing Vote were originally his, the AP reports. Bradley Blakeman, now a TV commentator, says in a federal lawsuit that he gave Grammer a screenplay that the Frasier actor agreed to develop and star in, and he ended up playing a similar role in Swing Vote.

"Essentially, except for the character names and the relationship developed between the main characters played by defendant Kevin Costner and his daughter, the entire concept of Swing Vote ... was taken from the copyrighted work," Blakeman's lawsuit claims. "I am not sure why Kelsey was even named in this suit," a spokesman said.

Kevin Costner holds actress Madeline Carroll, 12, at a screening of their film Swing Vote last week.
Kevin Costner holds actress Madeline Carroll, 12, at a screening of their film "Swing Vote" last week.   (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis)
In a Sept. 27, 2007, file photo, Bradley Blakeman poses in Lafayette Square Park in Washington.
In a Sept. 27, 2007, file photo, Bradley Blakeman poses in Lafayette Square Park in Washington.   (Gerald Herbert)
Swing Vote director Joshua Michael Stern and star Kelsey Grammer at the post-premiere party for the film last month.
"Swing Vote" director Joshua Michael Stern and star Kelsey Grammer at the post-premiere party for the film last month.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kevin Costner stars as Bud Johnson in comedy, Swing Vote.
Kevin Costner stars as Bud Johnson in comedy, "Swing Vote."   (AP Photo/Disney, Ben Glass)
Kevin Costner, star of Swing Vote, waves to the crowd on Hollywood Blvd. as he and his wife Christine arrive at the premiere last month.
Kevin Costner, star of "Swing Vote," waves to the crowd on Hollywood Blvd. as he and his wife Christine arrive at the premiere last month.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Dennis Hopper says best parts of "Swing Vote" cut
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Walt Disney Co. • lawsuit • copyright infringement • movie industry • Kelsey Grammer • Kevin Costner • Swing Vote

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