Spinal Tap lawsuit reaches settlement

By mbrooks on November 6, 2019

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: (L-R) Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Rob Reiner attend the “This Is Spinal Tap” 35th Anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

By Matthew Brooks

The mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap” hit theaters in 1984. And it has been in a legal battle since 2017.

The problem is about money.

The director and a couple of the movie’s actors say profits from the soundtrack and movie were withheld from them.

Universal Music Group released the soundtrack for the movie.

Vivendi and StudioCanal held rights to the movie.

On Tuesday, the sides reached a settlement.

The agreement will eventually give some of the rights to director Rob Reiner and actors Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean.

Shearer complimented UMG for its positive efforts in the process.

“I must admit, from the moment we first began mediation with them to now, I’ve been impressed by UMG’s respect for creatives and their distinctive desire to seek a prompt and equitable solution to the issues,” Shearer said in a statement.

Guest was also satisfied with the deal.

“It was refreshing to be treated so constructively and with such courtesy by UMG and I’m pleased we have been able to resolve this,” Guest said.