In Los Angeles, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum filed a breach of contract lawsuit.
After his podcasting contract was terminated, James Van Der Beek filed a $700,000 lawsuit against SiriusXM and Stitcher Media.
According to court documents obtained by FOX Business, the 45-year-old “Dawson’s Creek” alum filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the broadcasting giant and the podcasting company in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 26.
According to the documents, “Varsity Blues actor” became interested in creating and hosting a podcast based on his renowned acting career and family life as a husband and father of six last year.
“In late 2021, (James) began to pursue a podcast opportunity based on his longstanding acting career, onscreen characters, and life as a husband and father of six,” the documents stated.
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“He would host the podcast, conduct interviews, provide commentary and behind-the-scenes insight on previous work, and share the kind of unique perspective as an artist, seeker, and public figure that has become his social media signature.”
According to the suit, Van Der Beek considered several potential production partners before settling on SiriusXM and Stitcher. According to the documents, an agreement was reached via email.
“Pursuant to that agreement, the parties agreed that Plaintiff would participate as a “host” in 40 weekly podcast episodes in exchange for a $700,000 guarantee,” the complaint stated.
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“The emails reflect a convergence of minds on all material terms and constitute a valid, binding, and enforceable written contract.”
According to the documents, the transaction was completed in an email sent on April 28 by representatives from both companies, in which they stated, “we are ready to call terms officially closed.”
According to the complaint, after the agreement was reached, Van Der Beek stopped negotiating with other interested parties, rejected other offers, and declined acting opportunities.
Van Der Beek’s lawyer also stated that the actor had a “first look deal” with SiriusXM and Stitcher that prohibited him from working on any other podcasts.
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The documents, however, claimed that on July 8, the companies “reneged” on the deal after it had been approved, and Van Der Beek had already begun work on the podcast.
“Although they now want to skirt their obligations,” the court papers stated, “Defendants made this deal and their contractual obligations are clear.”
According to the terms of the agreement, Van Der Beek would receive a 50% share of net ad revenue in addition to the $700,000 minimum guarantee. The podcast would have a $153,000 production budget and a $50,000 marketing budget, both of which would be recouped against value.
Van Der Beek is seeking damages “in an amount to be determined at trial but which shall exceed $700,000.”
A SiriusXM representative did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
