Robin Williams Loses Employment Agreement Lawsuit

A Lesson in Employment Contracts

What happens when a famous comedian's team fails to finalize the details on a movie deal ?  Robin Williams loses out on $6 million dollars!

Williams filed suit in California on a "pay or play" contract, meaning he was to be paid whether or not the movie reached production.  He claimed that the two sides reach an agreement in a 'Deal Memorandum.'  But the judge dismissed Williams' case in granting summary judgment (dismissal without a trial) because the the movie company presented evidence that its business affairs executive sent an e-mail to Williams' team saying the company "did not agree to all of the terms set forth in the Deal Memorandum."  Lawyers for the victorious movie company said they now will seek attorneys' fees and litigation costs from Williams for filing a baseless lawsuit.  Without that e-mail, the case might have gone on to a lengthy trial or settled in Williams' favor.

The lesson of Williams' case is simple: in an employment agreement or any other contract, finalize the details and always put your agreement or disagreement with the terms in writing.

Please contact Castronovo & McKinney if you have any questions regarding employment agreement and visit our blog for additional information.