Author Makes Infringement Case Against Fox’s “Empire”

A Sixth Circuit judge in Michigan has given the green light for author Sophia Eggleton to pursue her infringement claim against Fox’s TV show, “Empire.” Eggleton claims the show based the character of “Cookie” Lyon on her, as she portrayed herself in her 2009 memoir, “The Hidden Hand.” She argued that the “striking and shocking similarities” included wearing expensive clothing, leading gangs, placing hits on men, having gay family members, serving prison sentences, and frequently slapping people. The depiction of the character is notable because Cookie is female, the judge wrote. “This is not the stock and trade of the average drug gangster potboiler.” Eggleton also says she was introduced to screenwriter Rita Grant Miller, who discussed adapting “The Hidden Hand,” and told her to pitch Lee Daniels, who now helms “Empire.”