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TV Profits and Defamation Lawsuits Take Center Stage
Two legal battles from opposite corners of the entertainment world are catching attention this week. Fear the Walking Dead creator Dave Erickson is suing AMC over backend profits, claiming the network structured his contract to prevent him from ever breaking even — even as the show grossed hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion took the stand in her defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Milagro Gramz, delivering emotional testimony about the toll of relentless online attacks. Both cases shine a light on how creative talent is pushing back — whether over money, reputation, or both.
ChaseLawyers Newsletter
November 25, 2025
Hi there,
This week’s update looks at two very different legal battles that both speak to a growing truth in the entertainment industry — creators are pushing harder than ever for fairness.
On the financial side, Fear the Walking Dead showrunner Dave Erickson says AMC used accounting structures that made it nearly impossible for him to break even, even as millions were paid to other participants. His lawsuit taps into long-running tensions around backend definitions, profit participation, and vertical integration at major networks.
On the reputation front, Megan Thee Stallion delivered deeply emotional testimony in her defamation case against YouTuber Milagro Gramz. She described how years of online attacks — including a viral deepfake — fueled harassment, harmed her mental health, and forced her into expensive therapy. The case highlights how digital defamation can escalate beyond commentary into real damage for public figures.
Dave Erickson Sues AMC Over Profit Participation on Fear the Walking Dead
Showrunner Dave Erickson is suing AMC, accusing the network of manipulating his backend participation terms so he would never receive profit payments from Fear the Walking Dead. Despite the show generating hundreds of millions, Erickson’s latest statement reflects a $185 million deficit. The lawsuit claims AMC withheld key terms, delayed defining MAGR, and gave better profit definitions to other producers while promising Erickson equal treatment. The dispute echoes previous Walking Dead litigation and raises deeper questions about transparency and fairness in how studios calculate backend earnings.
Megan Thee Stallion Testifies in Defamation Case Against Milagro Gramz
Megan Thee Stallion took the stand this week in her lawsuit against YouTuber Milagro Gramz, detailing the emotional harm caused by years of posts accusing her of lying, instability, and perjury. The rapper testified that the harassment — including a pornographic deepfake circulated by Gramz — left her depressed, overwhelmed, and spending hundreds of thousands on therapy. Her lawsuit alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of laws prohibiting altered sexual depictions. Gramz’s defense argues her posts were either true or protected opinion, setting up a high-profile test of what counts as defamation in the influencer era.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
 ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ Creator Dave Erickson Sues AMC for Profits |  Megan Thee Stallion testifies in Milagro Gramz YouTube defamation battle |
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