Chris Tucker films a comedy special in Atlanta which will stream on Netflix
Chris Tucker and Netflix are being sued for $66,000 in relation to Tucker’s stand-up special, “Chris Tucker Live,” airing on the streaming service Friday, July 10, 2015. The special “will showcase his comedic chops, including impersonations, as he shares his experiences from childhood, growing up in Decatur, Georgia, to his success in Hollywood.”
Fellow comedian Terry Hodges has filed a suit alleging that he has worked with Tucker on the project since 2008 but has not received consistent pay for his time and effort since 2011. Hodges, the original host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” says Tucker has been stringing him along with the promise of a co-producer credit on the project and has failed to reimburse a number of expenses he’s incurred as was promised to him including travel expenses and writing and production fees.
Tucker’s attorney, Marty Singer, says Hodges’ suit is baseless and he doesn’t expect much to come of it.
“This lawsuit is absurd and completely without merit,” Singer said via statement. “We fully expect this case to be thrown out by the court.”
The special was filmed at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre and marks the first project Tucker has starred in and produced through his own company, Chris Tucker Entertainment. “Before people started seeing me in movies, I was doing standup,” Tucker said about the special. “It’s always been a part of me, and now I’m excited to share it with my fans around the world.”
Netflix has yet to issue a statement on the lawsuit. Regarding the special, Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, says, “Chris Tucker is a true global movie star and a one-of-a-kind talent whose remarkable energy, delivery and original style make him one of the funniest comedians of our time. We cannot wait to share his distinct and hilarious voice with our members across the globe.”
