July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Lawsuit Against Ashton Kutcher Likely to Go Forward

Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is involved in a lawsuit alleging he pushed away a reality show producer from an idea she pitched to him. (Thinkstock)

A judge said June 4 he likely will allow a reality television producer to move forward with her lawsuit alleging the production company of Ashton Kutcher pushed her out of a show she pitched about the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and that a talent agency did not properly protect her interests.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Kalin also said he is inclined to dismiss Big Cheese Media as a plaintiff in the case brought by Hedda Muskat against Kutcher’s Katalyst Media, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Muskat is now the sole member of Big Cheese after her partnership with another party ended, according to her attorney, Daniel Lifschitz, but Kalin said he doubts the plaintiff can bring a suit on behalf of the company.

After hearing arguments from attorneys, Kalin said he wanted to study the issues further. He took the case under submission and said he would rule as soon as this afternoon.

Muskat sued Katalyst and CAA last Sept. 20. Her allegations against Katalyst include breach of oral contract and that the company put its interests ahead of hers.

In their court papers seeking dismissal of all claims, Katalyst attorneys state that Muskat’s claims are vague and that her breach of oral contract claim was not filed on time.

She alleges CAA, which represented both her and Katalyst, should have assisted her when she complained that Katalyst was allegedly limiting her role in the project.

CAA attorney Jennifer Laser said there are no details in the complaint demonstrating how her client helped Katalyst put its interests ahead of the plaintiff.

The suit alleges Muskat came up with the idea to create a reality series that focused on the the operations of the DMV and the people who work there. The suit further states that Muskat knew DMV officials were reluctant to consider entertainment industry pitches for television programs involving the agency, so she put a large effort into cultivating a relationship with them from late 2009 through early 2010 to pitch the project.

Muskat proposed the project to CAA in February 2010 and the agency recommended she enlist Katalyst to co-produce the project, according to the lawsuit.

Muskat alleges CAA scheduled a meeting to present the idea to Katalyst at a time the agency knew she would be out of the country, even though she had asked to be present at all such meetings. She says CAA insisted the meeting had to take place then at the time and so she reluctantly agreed.

In March 2010, Katalyst told Muskat the show was sold to TruTV even though she had been told other networks were interested, the suit states. TruTV then gave money to Katalyst to hire a staff, but Muskat was unaware of the development and continued to work without pay, the suit states.

In May 2010, Katalyst co-owner Jason Goldberg verbally promised Muskat that she would remain in control of production and a month later the DMV agreed to the project, the suit states. However, the agency later pulled out of the project, the suit states.

Muskat’s credits include work on America’s Got Talent, A Current Affair, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

Related Posts

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...