Phila. writer sues Oprah for ‘plagiarizing’ book
(All I can say is "Wow!" I know there's a producer at Oprah who may be in danger of losing his/her job!)
By Sam Wood
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Most writers would sell their souls to have their work spotlighted by Oprah Winfrey.
After all, Winfrey's endorsement can make stars out of unknowns. When featured on her syndicated talk show, books rocket to the top of the best seller lists.
So it comes as a bit of surprise to learn that one Philadelphia writer is suing Oprah, claiming that she read selections from a booklet he penned a decade ago.
Charles Harris, in a suit filed this week in U.S. District Court, says Oprah recited selections from his work last year without permission.
He also claims Winfrey - who is widely regarded as having more power to increase sales than any other media personality - neglected to credit him or mention the booklet's title.
Harris says Winfrey's unauthorized use was "deliberate, willful, malicious, oppressive and without regard to [his] property rights."
After all, Winfrey's endorsement can make stars out of unknowns. When featured on her syndicated talk show, books rocket to the top of the best seller lists.
So it comes as a bit of surprise to learn that one Philadelphia writer is suing Oprah, claiming that she read selections from a booklet he penned a decade ago.
Charles Harris, in a suit filed this week in U.S. District Court, says Oprah recited selections from his work last year without permission.
He also claims Winfrey - who is widely regarded as having more power to increase sales than any other media personality - neglected to credit him or mention the booklet's title.
Harris says Winfrey's unauthorized use was "deliberate, willful, malicious, oppressive and without regard to [his] property rights."
