US sitcom writer settles lawsuit

A writer on American sitcom Will and Grace has paid an undisclosed sum to a fashion designer who claimed one of the characters was based on him

The lawsuit was settled just days before it was due up in court in Los Angeles.

Jack Deamer launched proceedings against Jason "Max" Mutchnick last year, claiming that he was the inspiration for the show's outrageous gay character, also called Jack (pictured).

Deamer's lawyer said: "The lawsuit was resolved by mutual agreement of the parties."

He had been friends with Mr Mutchnick for ten years, but said he was "embarrassed and devastated" once he realised the flamboyant, promiscuous character was a "thinly-veiled caricature" of him.

The TV Jack was even said to share Mr Deamer's pastimes and dress sense.

Mr Deamer said he asked the writer to change the name of the character, but Mr Mutchnik refused and instead promised to buy him a house and car worth $500,00 if the show was a hit.

The lawsuit claimed that Mr Mutchnik reneged on the deal, event though the show has made a reported $100m in syndication in the States, and is has been shown on stations worldwide, including Channel 4 in the UK.

Published: 25 Mar 2003