Netflix sues creators behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical following sold-out show

Image: Liam Daniel / Netflix

The duo behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical are being sued by the streaming service over their copyrighted work. Barlow and Bear held a sold-out show for their Bridgerton-inspired album just days after the complaint was filed by the streaming giant.

Barlow and Bear created music based on the series and began promoting it on TikTok, where it became popular. Barlow and Bear won a gramophone in April for their 15-song album that was created after fans requested more. Barlow and Bear held a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, featuring live performances and music from the National Symphony Orchestra.

According to the complaint obtained by Deadline, Barlow and Bear have been accused of violating intellectual property rights. Barlow and Bear were praised for their work, but it was claimed that Bridgerton-inspired compositions were not approved.

Barlow and Bear are accused of refusing to negotiate a license that would allow them to distribute their album and hold live performances without issue.

Bridgerton intellectual property in connection with the Kennedy Center performance was not licensed, approved or authorized by Barlow & Bear. Barlow & Bear never claimed to have such a license, approval, or authorization, even though they said they did.

Bridgerton fans who would have otherwise attended the Bridgerton Experience were attracted by the fact that Barlow and Bear explicitly used the Bridgerton brand. Barlow and Bear are going to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

"Barlow & Bear have taken this many steps further, seeking to create multiple revenue streams for themselves without formal permission to utilize the Bridgerton Intellectual Property." Barlow & Bear have not cooperated with us. We are taking action to protect the rights of the creators, cast, writers and crew.

The author of the Bridgerton book series says she was thrilled when Barlow and Bear started making TikToks. There is a difference between recording and performing for money. I hope Barlow & Bear understands the need to protect the intellectual property of other professionals, including the characters and stories I created in the Bridgerton novels over two decades ago.

Shonda Rhimes is the producer of Bridgerton. What started as a fun celebration by Barlow & Bear on social media has turned into blatant taking of intellectual property solely for Barlow & Bear's financial benefit Barlow & Bear wouldn't allow others to appropriate their intellectual property for profit, and that's exactly what Bridgerton would do.

Barlow and Bear didn't reply immediately.